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Premier appointment at NAB

Premier appointment at NAB

(27 February 2017 – Australia) Former NSW premier Mike Baird has been appointed head of National Australia Bank's (NAB) corporate and institutional banking division. 

Starting the new role in April, Baird will reignite a banking and finance career that include tenures at NAB, Deutsche Bank and HSBC, following 10 years in politics.

NAB chief executive Andrew Thorburn  said he contacted Baird two days after his resignation and that his "time as treasurer and premier of New South Wales means he returns to banking and NAB with invaluable experience in leading economic and financial reform to grow the economy.

"Mike has outstanding leadership and a determination to drive change and make a difference by building relationships with customers and the community."

Baird said: "It's coming up to six weeks since I've resigned. The sad fact is that I've spent more time with them in that six weeks than I have in a long time," he said.

"It's important to take some time to energise and refresh," Mr Baird said. "I still do want a period off and Andrew was receptive. I have had discussions with Andrew about flexibility and he assures me there is that."

In addition to the ex-NSW Premier’s appointment, Thorburn announced the appointment of Sharon Cook to the new role of chief legal & commercial counsel, and Patrick Wright, as chief technology & operations officer.

Thorburn said it was critical the new members of the executive team were not on training wheels and were team players.

"You can't have Lone Rangers and heroes and that's why character is so important," Thorburn said.

"Mike, Sharon and Patrick each bring to NAB exceptional track records of performance and delivery and will help accelerate the execution of our strategy so we can deliver for our customers and our shareholders," Thorburn added.

"They are also authentic, inspiring and passionate leaders whose values align with NAB's values and our ambition to be Australia and New Zealand's most respected bank."

Baird started his career at NAB in 1989 as a graduate, working at the branch in the Sydney suburb of St Ives before moving into corporate banking.

He would later hold a number of different roles in Australia, London and New Zealand, including as head of corporate and institutional banking with HSBC in Australia and New Zealand and head of debt capital markets at NAB.

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