Catherine McGrath recently returned from London where she worked for Barclays since 2013.
Westpac Group chief executive Peter King and the Westpac New Zealand board has announced the appointment of Catherine McGrath as chief executive officer, Westpac New Zealand.
McGrath recently returned to New Zealand from London where she worked for Barclays Group since 2013. During that time she held a number of executive roles, her most recent role being head of channels, in which she oversaw a division of 16,000 people, with accountability for all channels, including branches and digital. She also led the open banking implementation across Barclays Group and the development of their community banking proposition.
King said: “Catherine is an experienced and well-respected financial services leader … Catherine’s banking career started at the Bank of New Zealand. Since then, she has driven large-scale transformations at some of the world’s best-known banks, including Barclays Group and Lloyds TSB in the UK.
Westpac NZ board chair-elect Pip Greenwood said Westpac New Zealand would benefit from McGrath’s deep experience, in both the local and UK markets, and her success at leading large teams.
“Catherine joins Westpac New Zealand at a time of opportunity for our business, as we support New Zealanders through the challenges of Covid-19,” Greenwood said.
McGrath said: “Westpac New Zealand is a strong and trusted brand, with a clear focus on customers and community. I am excited by the opportunity ahead and the role we can play in supporting New Zealand.”
McGrath will commence the CEO role on November 15, 2021, subject to regulatory approvals in Australia and New Zealand. Simon Power will continue to act in the role in the interim, after which time he will return to his role as general manager, institutional and business banking.
McGrath has a Bachelor of Law and a BComm, Accounting and business admin, from Canterbury University, New Zealand. She was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1994.
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