Media releases

Westpac appoints new General Manager, Retail Banking

 

15 October 2012

Westpac has strengthened the leadership of its retail banking business with the appointment of Gai McGrath as its new General Manager, Retail Banking.

Gai joins the retail bank from Westpac New Zealand where she currently runs the retail banking operations, reporting directly to chief executive Peter Clare.

Her new role will give Gai operational responsibility for Westpac’s six state-based divisions which consist of 54 regions, 674 branches and more than 8,000 people. She will report directly to Jason Yetton, Group Executive, Westpac Retail and Business Banking.

Announcing her appointment today, Mr Yetton described Gai as a talented and experienced executive who would play a critical part in building on the success of the bank’s Westpac Local strategy.

“In her role in New Zealand, Gai has delivered a consistently impressive set of results including excellent revenue growth, strong expense management, an ever healthier self-funding ratio and improved employee engagement,” said Mr Yetton.

 “I am delighted that she is joining us and I know she is going to be a valuable asset to the retail banking team.”

Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2010, Gai was a member of the BT Financial Group leadership team for seven years, having held a number of key roles in the business including General Manager, Customer Service and General Manager, Risk Solutions.

She began her career as a lawyer and spent several years in private practice before moving into the financial services industry in 1996.

“Gai’s experience in the wealth industry will be very welcome as we continue to grow our super and insurance capability across the Westpac network and strive to provide customers with financial solutions at all stages of their lives,” added Mr Yetton.