NAB announces executive leadership changes

The big four bank has announced that the Bank of New Zealand’s (BNZ) managing director and chief executive officer, Angela Mentis, has been named as NAB’s group chief digital, data and analytics officer, effective 1 October (subject to regulatory approvals).

Ms Mentis joined BNZ from NAB in December 2016, becoming managing director and CEO in January 2018. 

Prior to her role at BNZ, Ms Mentis held roles as NAB’s chief customer officer – business and private banking, and as NAB group executive, business banking.

She has also previously held senior positions at BT Financial Group and Westpac.

According to NAB group CEO Ross McEwan, Ms Mentis will work across NAB to deliver digital products and services for both customers and NAB employees. Mr McEwan said the new role also reflects the strategic importance and growth potential of NAB’s data and digital strategies. 

“We are positioning NAB, our customers and our colleagues for an increasingly digital and automated world, leveraging the strength of our core banking businesses and the strong technology foundations we have in place,” Mr McEwan said.

“Customer expectations continue to rise as competition drives innovation. That means we need to be delivering a digital experience for our personal and business customers that compares with the best experiences they have with any company, not just a bank. Our bankers also deserve the best tools to make it easier for them to serve customers and spend more time with them to build even stronger relationships.”

He continued: “I look forward to working with Angie in this role. She has delivered outstanding results during her time at BNZ. Angie’s clear understanding of what customers and bankers need, coupled with her extensive knowledge of how a bank and its technology works, make her the ideal person to lead the acceleration of our digital and data agenda.”

On her appointment, Ms Mentis commented: “Customers want their banking to be simple, safe, smart and personalised. We also know they want insights to make their lives easier, help them grow and protect their finances and their businesses.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring those elements together to create solutions for our customers and our bankers that rival the best experiences anywhere.” 

Given Ms Mentis’ new position at NAB, the major bank announced her successor at BNZ.

Replacing Ms Mentis as MD and CEO, as well as joining her on the NAB executive leadership team, will be BNZ’s executive – customer, products and services, Dan Huggins. 

Mr Huggins joined BNZ in March last year, previously serving as the executive general manager of home buying for CBA.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead BNZ,” Mr Huggins said. 

“We have a proud history of delivering New Zealand’s leading business and retail banking experiences and I’m looking forward to continuing to help our customers achieve their ambitions through world-class, modern banking.” 

Mr McEwan welcomed the BNZ board’s choice, commenting that Mr Huggins is a “highly regarded, strategic leader with deep banking experience in Australia and New Zealand” who has “played a key role, working with Angie, in delivering for our BNZ customers and colleagues”.

Mr Huggins is expected to commence his new role from October 1, following regulatory approval.

[Related: Bank welcomes new leadership appointments]