Media releases

Distinguished banker Janie Wanless makes her move to Westpac Institutional Bank

 

30 October 2013

  • Janie Wanless takes on role as Managing Director Financial Institutions, Government, Health and Diversified Relationships (FIGH) Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB)
  • Responsible for delivering the institutional bank’s customer engagement strategies

Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) today announced the appointment of Janie Wanless, to the role of Managing Director Financial Institutions, Government, Health and Diversified Relationships (FIGH) Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB).

Ms Wanless will join Westpac in January 2014, building on a distinguished career in banking and financial services most recently as Country Manager of Bank of America NA Australia Branch (BAML). In a career spanning 24 years, Ms Wanless has held senior leadership positions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, HSBC Bank and Commonwealth Bank.

In her most recent role, Ms Wanless was responsible for leading the Corporate Banking business involving coverage of Australian corporates, global MNCs and the Financial Institutions Group.   Ms Wanless has also been co-Chair of BAML's Asia Pacific Diversity and Inclusion Council and Chair of the Australian Capital Committee. Ms Wanless received the Insto Advancement of Women in Banking and Finance award for 2010.

Joining the CIB Executive Team, Ms Wanless will report to Andrew McDonald, General Manager, Corporate & Institutional Banking, WIB and will be responsible for delivering the institutional bank’s customer engagement strategies across: bank and non bank financial institutions, insurance, government, education, Not-For-Profits, health care and diversified customer portfolios.

General Manager, Corporate & Institutional Banking, WIB Andrew McDonald said, “This is a significant role overseeing one of the institutional bank’s largest market segments, supported by a team of approximately 55 people globally.”

“We have earned a position as the lead domestic relationship bank1 and are looking to build on this strength through our disciplined approach to account planning and developing deep and enduring partnerships with all of our customers globally.”

“Janie’s extensive experience and impressive leadership track record makes her a strong addition to our leadership team that has successfully driven this strategy and culture of high performance,” he said.

1Peter Lee Associates Large Corporate and Institutional Relationship Banking Survey Australia. Rank vs. top 4. Quantitative measures from 586 votes in 2013. Westpac ranks no. 1 for citations as ‘lead’ relationship bank. Westpac ranks no. 1 in the Peter Lee Associates relationship strength index score and for overall satisfaction with bank service, across the total respondent base.