As Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Banking Association Simon Birmingham leads an organisation representing 20 of Australia’s leading banks.
The ABA’s Executive Leadership Team leads the organisation’s work with government, regulators and other stakeholders to improve public awareness and understanding of the banking industry’s contribution to the Australian economy and community.
Simon Birmingham
Chief Executive Officer
Previous to commencing with the ABA, Simon held the role as ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chair, South Australia.
With deep experience at the highest levels of government, Simon brings expertise in trade policy, government finance, international relations and regulated environments.
Serving as an Australian Government minister for nearly a decade, Simon was a member of budget and national security cabinet committees and led the government in the Australian Senate.
As Finance Minister Simon oversaw budgets that framed Australia’s Covid recovery and decisions that delivered the AUKUS security partnership.
While Trade Minister Simon negotiated numerous free trade agreements, including the world’s largest agreement encompassing 15 Asia Pacific economies. Simon also led Australia’s responses to diplomatically challenging and globally disruptive trade events.
Simon was a Senator for 18 years, delivered nationally consistent needs-based schools funding as education minister and sustainability measures in the Murray Darling Basin when responsible for Australia’s water policy.
Simon holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide and is a Director of Asia Society Australia.
Vanessa Beggs
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Banking Association. She is responsible for working with member banks and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in providing leadership, governance and operational management. Driving the performance of the organisation and the achievement of the industry’s strategic objectives.
Vanessa brings over 25 years’ experience across the corporate, government and not for profit sectors. Vanessa previously held the position of the CEO for the YWCA NSW – leading the organisation from a federated model to a united national organisation, and has also held executive roles in strategy, change management, cultural transformation and organisational development predominantly with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Vanessa serves as a non-executive director of Variety NSW/ACT- the Children’s Charity and of Driveabout World – an Edtech start up improving driver knowledge to achieve road safety.
Chris Taylor
Chief of Policy
Chris Taylor is Chief of Policy at the Australian Banking Association. In this role, Chris is responsible for policy strategy for Australia’s banking industry. His focus is on delivering innovative, equitable and prosperous outcomes for Australia’s banking industry and its customers.
Chris’s 20+ year career has spanned law, business, public policy and government relations. He began working as a corporate lawyer at top-tier law firms in both Australia and the United States, advising clients in the areas of private equity, mergers and acquisitions, financial regulation and infrastructure projects. He has since held commercial and General Counsel roles in both the public and private sector.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Master of Laws (Corporate Finance), Bachelor of International Relations and is completing a Master of Business Administration. Chris is admitted to practice law in Australia and New York.
Fiona Landis
Chief of Corporate Affairs
As Chief of Corporate Affairs at the Australian Banking Association, Fiona is responsible for leading the media, government relations, research and campaign functions. This involves her having a pivotal role in shaping the Australian banking industry’s reputation.
Fiona was previously Director of Government Relations at the ABA, during which time she helped lead the sector’s response to the Banking Royal Commission recommendations.
Fiona has two decades of professional experience in politics, public policy development and issues campaigning in roles as a consultant, in-house at listed companies and associations as well as within government. She has a deep understanding of the parliamentary process. She has advised Cabinet Ministers, senior corporate leaders and has extensive experience in managing high profile communications campaigns.