CEO Andrew Thorburn announces Mike Baird's new executive role

CEO Andrew Thorburn announced on Tuesday that former NSW premier Mike Baird would join NAB to perform as the Chief Customer Officer of the Corporate and Institutional Banking. However, Baird said that he would first be spending more time with his family before getting back to work in April.

"It's coming up to six weeks since I've resigned. The sad fact is that I've spent more time with them in that six weeks than I have in a long time. It's important to take some time to energise and refresh," Baird said. He added that he had discussions with Thorburn about work flexibility and it was assured that it would be provided.

"Mike has outstanding leadership and a determination to drive change and make a difference by building relationships with customers and the community," Thorburn said. Baird started his career with NAB in 1989 and he spent 17 years working in overseas with NAB, Deutsche Bank and HSBC. Baird also worked in corporate and institutional banking roles in the country before entering politics. However, Baird stepped down as NSW premier in January 2017.

Thorburn said that he contacted Baird two days after resignation. "His time as Treasurer and Premier of New South Wales means he returns to banking and NAB with invaluable experience in leading economic and financial reform to grow the economy," Thorburn added. Baird said that he was attracted to the bank's offer because of his history with the bank and on the company's strength of leadership.

Sharon Cook and Patrick Wright were also appointed to be a part of the NAB Group Executive Leadership Team. Sharon Cook would play the new role of Chief Legal & Commercial Counsel. “Sharon is a vital addition to the team, bringing more than 25 years’ experience in the legal profession, most recently as a Managing Partner with King & Wood Mallesons." Thorburn said. He added that Cook has extensive experience in the banking and financial sector.

He commended Cook for her commercial and strategic approach to complex issues. "In a period of significant industry reform and heightened public focus on banking, this is a new and important role on our Executive Leadership Team.," Thorburn said.

Patrick Wright will be the bank's new Chief Technology & Operations Officer. He joined NAB from Barclays in the US leading 15,000 people. He was a global Chief Operations & Technology Officer of Barclaycard. Wright has extensive experience in innovating a fast-paced, highly-regulated and competitive market. "As we reshape our business, Patrick will lead our simplification, digitisation and automation agenda to deliver greater efficiency and create a simpler and easier experience for our customers and bankers,” Thorburn said.