ANZ has named a new chief executive for its New Zealand business to replace David Hisco who left the bank over an expenses scandal earlier this year.
ANZ's new chief executive Antonia Watson. Photo: Supplied / ANZ
Acting chief executive Antonia Watson has been appointed to the role permanently, making her the first woman to lead the organisation.
She stepped into the top job in May when Hisco left under a cloud, after an investigation raised concerns about his personal expenses.
On Tuesday, ANZ Group chief executive Shayne Elliott touched on David Hisco's departure.
"Although tough, this was the right decision and sent the right message to our people," he told the annual meeting in Brisbane.
ANZ said in a statement today that Watson, who was formerly the bank's managing director fo Retail and Business Banking, had received Reserve Bank approval to be promoted into the role.
Watson's appointment meant three of the four major Australian banks, ANZ, ASB and BNZ, had women leading their New Zealand divisions.