(8 September 2010 – Australia) Jane Kittel has been promoted to the top position at Bank SA, taking over from outgoing chief executive, Paul Chapman.Ms Kittlel’s appointment sees the bank place a female in the top position for the first time in the its 162-year history.
Speaking from the bank’s Adelaide headquarters, Ms Kittel said she had never felt that her gender influenced her position during her 15 years at Westpac.
Personally, I’ve found my colleagues to be very supportive, regardless if they’re male or female, Ms Kittel said.
For me, I always focus on doing the job and doing it to the best of my ability, Ms Kittel added.
Westpac’s chief executive officer, Gail Kelly said that Ms Kittel was one of the bank’s most experienced general managers and had successfully managed the Pacific region through the volatile past few years.
I am confident that BankSA under her leadership will continue to build on its outstanding position in the South Australian market, Mrs Kelly said.
During her time with Westpac Ms Kittel oversaw 1200 staff in several countries, including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, as well as being responsible for A$1.9 billion in deposits.
Ms Kittel officially begins with BankSA on October 1.