New CEO for ANZ National Bank – An Australian

25 May 2005

New CEO for ANZ National Bank – An Australian

Finsec, the union representing bank workers, has reason to believe the CEO of ANZ National Bank (and previously National Bank), Sir John Anderson, is likely to be replaced as early as the end of the year by an Australian. It is strongly rumoured in Australia that he will be replaced by Graham Hodges, who is currently the Group Manager, Corporate, at ANZ Australia and has previously worked for the IMF in Washington DC.

It has been rumoured that he will be offered this new position as CEO of ANZ National Bank on the basis that he will be able to implement a ‘slash and burn’ approach.

“Both customers and staff will be asking questions about what this will mean for them.” said Finsec’s Campaigns Director, Karen Skinner. “Sir John Anderson’s replacement is the strongest signal yet that ANZ Australia’s model of business may be the business model introduced here. ANZ Australia’s operation has seen unnecessarily aggressive employment relations with its employees. National Bank has traditionally relied on quality customer service, respect for its local and rural communities and good working relations with its staff as its business practice.”

This news comes in the middle of a dispute between ANZ National staff and their employer over the integration of their employment terms and conditions, which has seen rolling strike action around the country continue into it’s third week this week. Workers are seeking equity across the two bank brands.

“Workers at ANZ National are well aware that no bank in Australasia or the wider financial community operates two competing retail brands and, as the ANZ National integration nears its important final phases, business and employment practices seem to be being dictated by Australia. Today’s news further indicates this.” Concluded Ms Skinner.

ENDS

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