ANZ has announced that Mark Whelan would join the Group Management Board taking on broader responsibilities as Managing Director Global Commercial Banking.

Mr Whelan is currently Managing Director Commercial Banking Australia. In addition to that role, he will also be accountable for the global Commercial segment including longer-term growth strategy, improving connectivity for commercial clients with ANZ’s 33 country network, talent management and succession planning, and accelerating progress in areas such as common systems infrastructure and digital development.

ANZ Group Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith said: “As trade and investment flows in the Asia Pacific region continue to grow, we are seeing a significant expansion of medium-sized corporates doing business with and within Asia.

“This continues to be an important growth opportunity for ANZ and coordination of the segment fits well with Mark’s existing responsibility for Commercial Australia, our largest Commercial client franchise,” he said.

Previously Mr Whelan was Managing Director of ANZ’s Institutional, Commercial and Private Banking businesses in Asia Pacific, Europe & America based in Hong Kong. Since joining ANZ in 2004, Mr Whelan has held senior roles in ANZ’s Institutional business both in Australia and Asia. Previously Mr Whelan worked for Westpac and Citibank in senior commercial banking positions.

Mr Whelan will continue to report to ANZ CEO Australia, Philip Chronican as Managing Director Commercial Banking Australia and will report to Mr Smith in relation to his Global Commercial Banking responsibilities. Mr Whelan will take up the new role shortly subject to regulatory approvals.