Following a meeting of the BankWest Board yesterday, Chairman Ian Mackenzie announced Simon Walsh had been appointed to the position of BankWest Managing Director, succeeding Rodger McArthur who retires at the end of the month.
Mr Walsh is currently a BankWest Board Director and Head of Group Strategy for HBOS Australia and he assumes the new position in addition to his current role.
Mr Mackenzie said Mr Walsh was ideally suited to the role of Managing Director as he is West Australian and has an excellent understanding of financial services in Australia.
"BankWest is significant to the Group's expansion plans across Australia and the Managing Director role is critical to our businesses' success and growth plans," he said.
"I'm delighted Mr Walsh has accepted the position as he brings a wealth of knowledge in retail and commercial strategy and understands the prudent governance this role demands."
Mr Walsh was appointed Head of Group Strategy in July 2004 after previously serving as Director of Group Strategy for BankWest from 1999.
He has a background in strategic management consulting, holds an MBA from the University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Electronic Engineering from Curtin University, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mr Walsh said he was extremely pleased to be taking up the role and was looking forward to the new challenges this would bring.
"This is an important role for both Western Australia and HBOS Australia. I'm excited to have the opportunity to help maintain our focus on WA, grow east coast business, and find ways to bring greater benefits to customers. It's an exciting time for BankWest."
Earlier this year BankWest announced that Rodger McArthur would retire after a career spanning more than 41 years with HBOS in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Mackenzie said Mr McArthur's contribution to HBOS Australia and BankWest was significant and he had provided strong leadership for the bank over many years.
