(28 November 2008 – Australia) After recently announcing the new executive team for the merged banking group, Westpac has announced the appointment an additional executive, the Group Executive, Counsel and Secretariat.Westpac’s chief executive officer, Gail Kelly, announced the appointment of John Arthur to what is a new position.
As part of the executive team, Arthur will report to Kelly and will commence the position from the start of December 2008.
The new role replaces the role of Group Secretary and General Counsel that has been held by Richard Willcock, who has been at Westpac for almost six years. Westpac said Willcock is considering several new roles.
John Arthur joins Westpac following a career as a legal partner, corporate executive and non-executive director. Most recently Arthur was chief executive of Investa Property Group until 2007.
Arthur has been a partner at Freehills and Group General Counsel of Lend Lease. Arthur has also served as Chairman of legal firm, Gilbert + Tobin.
Kelly said it was this experience, both as a senior legal practitioner and as a board member that will add value to Westpac.