ASX Announcement - National Appoints Executive General Manager Customer Solutions - 5 August 2004

The National's Chief Executive, Mr John Stewart, today announced the appointment of Cameron Clyne to the new role of Executive General Manager Customer Solutions.

The Executive General Manager Customer Solutions will be responsible for the review of all major projects.  A key element of the role will be to better co-ordinate and leverage these major projects and focus on achieving the best outcome for customers.

Mr Clyne, 36, has previously been a partner with IBM Business Consulting Services and PricewaterhouseCoopers.  The majority of his consulting experience has been associated with the financial services industry and includes the development of programs for organisational transformation and culture change.

"Cameron's extensive international consulting experience in financial services will allow him to make a strong contribution at the National and expedite our journey towards becoming a more nimble competitor with enhanced customer focus," Mr Stewart said.

"This appointment is another step along the way to revitalise the National and its leadership team," Mr Stewart said.

For further information:

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

Samantha Evans   
Group Communications Adviser
03 8641 4982 work
0404 883 509 mobile