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Westpac’s Zuber retires, Dawson named treasurer

10:00am September 29 2020

Jo Dawson has been confirmed as Westpac group treasurer. (Supplied)

Westpac chief executive Peter King has confirmed financial markets veteran Jo Dawson as group treasurer, after long-time incumbent Curt Zuber called time on his 25 years at the bank.

Mr King said Ms Dawson was a highly regarded leader with more than 25 years’ experience in financial markets, first joining Westpac’s Treasury in 2003 before being appointed deputy treasurer in 2008 as the global financial crisis rocked global markets. She had been acting treasurer since July, when Mr Zuber took the reins as acting chief executive of Westpac institutional bank – a role he’ll continue until newly appointed chief Anthony Miller starts next month.

“Jo is a highly regarded leader, and I am confident that she will be a strong group treasurer for Westpac. Her extensive experience in global funding, liquidity and balance sheet management will help ensure a smooth transition to this critical role,” Mr King told employees in a note today.

Mr King also thanked Mr Zuber for his “outstanding contribution” to Westpac Group over the past 25 years, including 16 as treasurer – a period that included two of the biggest market events in the last century: the GFC and the COVID-19 pandemics.

“Curt has worked in financial markets for over 30 years and was first appointed as Westpac’s treasurer in 2004. During this time, Curt has helped the group navigate a number of challenges including the Global Financial Crisis and a constantly changing environment,” he said.
 

Curt Zuber, former Westpac group treasurer, will retire after 25 years with the bank.

“Throughout all this, Curt has brought incredible insights, commitment and leadership to his role. He has played a significant role in the strength of our balance sheet and our company.

“On a personal note, I will miss Curt’s support and good humour, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Before joining Westpac’s group treasury team in 2003 as senior portfolio manager, Ms Dawson worked with IAG Asset Management for almost seven years.

Her appointment follows a string of executive hires by Mr King who has been busy strengthening his team since his April confirmation as CEO. Earlier this month, he appointed Chris de Bruin as chief executive of Westpac’s consumer bank, following the July appointments of Scott Collary as chief operating officer, Anthony Miller as chief of the institutional bank and Michael Rowland as CFO.

Mr Rowland is now recruiting a chief financial officer for the institutional bank.

Mr King also appointed Jason Yetton as chief of a new specialist business division and Les Vance as group executive financial crime, compliance and conduct.    

Emma Foster is a freelance writer. Previously, she led Westpac Wire and was a key contributor until December 2022. Prior to joining Westpac in 2013, she spent almost 20 years in corporate affairs and investor relations, primarily in large financial services and consultancy firms, in Australia, UK and Europe. She is also a photographer and podcaster.

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