(5 August 2026 – Australia) The Chair of National Australia Bank Limited, Philip Chronican, today announced the appointment of Anna Bligh AC to the Board.
Ms Bligh is a former Premier, Treasurer and Finance Minister of Queensland and served as CEO of the Australian Banking Association for eight years. She is the newly appointed Chair of UNICEF Australia and served nine years as a non-executive director of Medibank Private.
Mr Chronican said Ms Bligh would be a significant contributor to the Board given her deep public sector and commercial experience and leadership. across sectors including banking and financial services, education, health, infrastructure and the non-profit sector.
“Anna has run Australia’s third largest economy as Premier and is respected across the business and political spectrum for her thoughtful and collaborative approach. She has provided independent oversight, strategic guidance and risk governance for organisations undergoing growth and transformation,” he said.
“She has been deeply involved in the banking sector for almost a decade, which has give her a strong understanding of the sector’s issues and opportunities, including the financial services Royal Commission. These have included international trends and challenges facing the industry across technology and regulatory considerations.”
Ms Bligh has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and two honorary doctorates for contributions to public service, education and social reform. She was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017.
The appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Ms Bligh’s appointment is expected to be effective 1 September 2026.