Media Release - Leadership Changes Announced as Part of Move to New Business Model - 19 October 2004
Today, National Australia Bank announced several executive changes as part of its move to a more streamlined and customer-focused business model.
The National's Chief Executive, John Stewart, welcomed the appointment of Michael Hamar to the role of Group Chief Risk Officer.
Michael joins the National from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) where, for the past two years, he has headed up the institutional and business services' risk management function.
"Michael brings a great level of expertise, gained from working in leadership roles across the financial services industry in Australia and overseas," said Mr Stewart.
Prior to joining CBA, Michael had a long career with JP Morgan Chase. His roles there included Chief Credit Officer for Chase Manhattan Bank for Greater China and the Philippines, based in Hong Kong. Other roles with JP Morgan Chase prior to this included Managing Director of the Emerging Markets Division and other senior relationship roles, and Chief Representative and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand with Continental Illinois National Bank.
Michael will join the Group's Executive Committee and report to Michael Ullmer, Group Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director. He is due to commence with the company in December.
Mr Stewart also announced Peter Scott's decision to leave the National early next year. Peter has headed MLC for the past six years and has been a member of the Group's leadership team since the National acquired MLC in 2000. In the interim, he will continue to assist the Australian business with its transition to a regional model.
"I would like to thank Peter for his support this year. He has enjoyed a great career with the National. On behalf of his colleagues at the National and MLC, I wish him well with his future endeavours," said Mr Stewart.
In line with the new regional model for Australia, the National's Australian CEO, Ahmed Fahour, also announced several management changes to reflect the integration of MLC into the new regional business.
Mr Steve Tucker takes up the new role of Head of MLC Australia. Steve has worked with MLC for the past 16 years and was previously responsible for MLC's retail investment platforms and services. Prior to this, Steve managed MLC's large distribution network.
Mr Matt Lawler, who currently has responsibility for the adviser network at MLC, has been appointed to the new role of Head of Financial Planning and Third Party Distribution. He is a director on the boards of Global Wealth Management (GWM) Adviser Services, Godfrey Pembroke, Apogee Financial Planning and MLC Lifetime.
Mr Bob Brice, previously General Manager, Risk Management for Financial Services Australia, has agreed to an acting role as Chief Risk Officer Australia until a permanent appointment can be finalised. He will jointly report to Ahmed Fahour and Michael Hamar.
"I would like to welcome Steve, Matt and Bob to the Australian Leadership Team. Having made the required executive appointments to integrate our corporate banking and our wealth management operations with our retail banking business, we expect to complete our new regional business structure in the next few weeks," said Mr Fahour.
Further information
Brandon Phillips
Group Manager
03 8641 3857 work
0419 369 058 mobile
Samantha Evans
Group Communications Adviser
Group Corporate Relations
03 8641 4982 work
0404 883 509 mobile
Callum Davidson
Head of Group Investor Relations
03 8641 4964 work
0411 117 984 mobile
Guy McKanna
Wealth Management, Head of Corporate Affairs
02 9966 3532 work
0402 893 843 mobile