ASX Announcement - Mr Malcolm Williamson to Join National Australia Bank Board - 3 May 2004

The National's Chairman, Mr Graham Kraehe, today announced that Mr Malcolm Williamson, formerly VISA International President and CEO, will join the Principal Board of National Australia Bank.

Before moving to the United States to take up the role at VISA he was Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank for five years and prior to this was Managing Director of Girobank.

His early career included a number of senior roles at Barclays Bank.

"Malcolm's experience in both the United Kingdom and the United States leading major financial services organisations makes him a valuable addition to the National's Board," National Chairman, Mr Graham Kraehe said.

Subject to UK regulatory approval, Mr Williamson will also join the National Australia Group Europe, Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank Boards.

"When I was appointed Chairman in February, I committed to a program of Board renewal including the acceleration of appointments of non-executive Directors with banking experience to the Board," he said.

"Mr Williamson's appointment is an important step in that process.  The next step will be the appointment of an Australian-based non-executive Director with banking experience which I expect to be able to announce soon."

For further information:

Brandon Phillips     
Group Manager
Group Corporate Relations  
03 8641 3857 work     
0419 369 058 mobile

Background and Career History

Malcolm Williamson

Date of birth:  27 February 1939

VISA International 
1998 – February 2004:  President and CEO

Standard Chartered Bank 
1993 – 1998:  Group Chief Executive
1991 – 1992:  Managing Director
1990 – 1991:  Director Banking and Credit
1989 – 1990:  Director responsible for Eastern Hemisphere

The Post Office 
1985 – 1989: Member of Post Office Board
                         Managing Director Girobank PLC

Barclays Bank 
1983 – 1985:  Regional General Manager, London
1982 – 1983:  Treasurer United Kingdom
1979 – 1982:  Assistant General Manager Planning
1978 – 1979:  Local Director London Northern
1957 – 1978:  Various branch positions including Branch Manager, computer programmer, systems analyst, loans administrator, consulting work and various head office posts.