Westpac has appointed the former ANZ senior exec, Brian Hartzer, to lead its banking and wealth management division as part of a restructure of the Group’s Management team.
Mr Hartzer, who was most recently CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland in the UK, will head up Westpac’s new Australian Financial Services (AFS) division, which encompasses BT Financial Group, Westpac Retail and Business Banking, and St George Banking Group.
Speaking about the appointment, Westpac CEO, Gail Kelly, said: “I am delighted to welcome Brian to Westpac. He is an outstanding financial services executive who has a significant track record of achievement in Australia and overseas. I look forward to him bringing his expertise and experience to the Group.”
The remainder of Westpac’s group services, including Technology, Banking Operations, Property Services and Legal, have been merged into the Group Services division, which will be led by COO John Arthur.
As a result of the restructure, Rob Coombe, the former head of BT Financial Group, has resigned. Mr Coombe, who most recently held the role of Group Executive, Westpac Retail and Business Banking, will leave the Group to pursue other opportunities. He will be replaced in the role by Jason Yetton.
In other appointment news, the Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals Association of Australia (SPAA) has welcomed Carolyn Baker to its Board.
Ms Baker is the founder and principal of CJ Baker & Associates, a Queensland-based accounting and consulting firm. She holds the SPAA SMSF Specialist Advisor designation and has been a member of SPAA for over eight years.
“SPAA is committed to promoting a high standard of education among SMSF professionals,” said Sharyn Long, SPAA Chairman. “Carolyn’s expertise in accounting, audit and SMSF advice, coupled with her business experience from building her own practice, means the SPAA Board will be well equipped to continue to improve the quality of advice in the industry.”
