Three changes to Westpac executive team announced.
Westpac NZ announced three changes to the executive team with two additions and one departure.
Stephen O’Brien has been announced as general manager of regulatory affairs and corporate legal services, general counsel NZ. O’Brien has been permanently appointed general counsel NZ, leading Westpac’s legal, regulatory affairs, and secretariat functions. He has been acting in the role since Mark Weenink’s departure in October 2021. Prior to joining Westpac in 2014, O’Brien was a partner in law firms for more than 20 years.
Tania O’Brien has been appointed as chief financial officer. O’Brien joined Westpac NZ as chief financial officer on Monday, having been appointed in December 2021. In addition to her role as CFO, O’Brien also has responsibility for the properties and commercial services teams. Previously she enjoyed a long career with ANZ in New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia Pacific. She replaces Kerry Conway who has been acting CFO since November 2021, following Ian Hankins’ move from CFO to his new role as GM consumer banking and wealth.
Westpac Life chief executive Leanne Lazarus is leaving following last month’s sale of Westpac Life to New Zealand’s biggest locally owned life insurer, Fidelity Life. Lazarus joined Westpac in 2015 and led Westpac’s Covid-19 pandemic response. She was appointed Westpac Life CEO in October 2020.
Both O’Brien and O’Brien’s appointments are subject to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand having no objections and any other regulatory approvals.
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