ANZ reshuffles management as COO steps down

In a trading update last week, the major bank said its decision is also designed to bring operations closer to its customer businesses and continue operational efficiency gains.

The changes follow a planned move for group chief operating officer Alistair Currie to step down from ANZ later this year reflecting Mr Currie’s ambition to continue his international banking career.

In the coming months a number of key changes will occur in ANZ’s technology, operations and shared services divisions. CIO Scott Collary will report to Mr Currie until the transition of the group technology reporting line to CEO Shayne Elliott later this year, reinforcing technology’s strategic role alongside digital banking. Other key changes include:

- Divisional chief operating officers will report directly into the Australia, New Zealand, institutional and wealth businesses, providing greater end-to-end control of customer processes as well as driving the next phase of productivity gains.

- Deputy CEO Graham Hodges will assume responsibility for group hubs, enterprise services and group property. Craig Sims has been appointed to a new role as group general manager of operations and services reporting to Mr Hodges. Mr Sims will have responsibility for group hubs and enterprise services, and will work with divisional COOs to build on the momentum established in operational efficiency.

- General manager of transformation projects Nigel Dobson will assume responsibility for wholesale digital strategy and payments transformation, reporting to group executive digital banking Maile Carnegie.

ANZ chief Shayne Elliott said the changes to the group’s operating model support ANZ’s strategic priorities better and allow the bank to build on the significant progress that has been made in recent years in technology, operations and shared services.

“This progress highlights the importance of Alistair’s contribution to ANZ. He joined us in 2008 and led the creation of our regional transaction banking business,” Mr Elliott said.

“He became group chief operating officer in 2011 and has built a strong regional team and an approach to technology and operations which has significantly improved service quality for customers as well as delivering consistent productivity gains. During this time, Alistair also played a key role in setting the early direction for our digital transformation.

“I understand Alistair’s desire to further his international banking career, and I thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

[Related: ANZ names new CEO]