Media releases

Westpac CEO, Peter King today announced that after more than 30 years as Group Chief Economist, Bill Evans will take on a new role as Senior Economic Advisor for Westpac, effective in January 2024.

Bill Evans has served as Westpac’s Chief Economist since 1991 and is one of the nation’s pre-eminent economic analysts and forecasters. He has led the bank’s economic research and provided valuable insights to Westpac and the broader Australian public.

Mr King says Evans has defined the role of a major bank chief economist in Australia.

“Bill has built a legacy of trust and a record of service that is unmatched. His generosity and ability to explain the economy in clear and simple terms has meant that Australians from all walks of life have benefited from his considerable knowledge and insight.

“Bill joined Westpac in the midst of the 1991 recession and since then has been a trusted voice in Australia through every economic cycle”, Mr King said.

“I’m pleased the Bank and our customers will continue to have the benefit of Bill’s extensive experience and knowledge in his new advisory capacity.”

Luci Ellis appointed as Westpac Group Chief Economist

Luci Ellis has been appointed as Westpac Group’s Chief Economist and will join on 9 October 2023. Luci is one of Australia’s most respected economists and is currently the Assistant Governor (Economic) at the Reserve Bank of Australia, a role she has held since 2016.

Prior to her current role, she was Head of the RBA’s Financial Stability Department for eight years. She has also served as a Deputy Head of the Economic Analysis Department and spent almost two years on secondment at the Bank for International Settlements.

Ms Ellis holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales, a Masters degree in Economics from the Australian National University and a first-class Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Melbourne.

“We are delighted to welcome Luci to Australia’s oldest bank”, said Westpac CEO Peter King.

“Luci is a highly qualified and respected economist who will build on Bill’s legacy of providing quality economic forecasts for Westpac customers.”