Former Labor premier Anna Bligh to retire as CEO of Australian Banking Association

Former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh will retire from her role in the Australian Banking Association after eight years of lobbying for the major banks.

Anna Bligh has announced her retirement from the ABA. Photo: Josh O’Reilly.

Anna Bligh has announced she is standing down as the chief executive of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) after more than eight years in the role.

The ABA is the peak industry body representing the major four banks and a number of smaller lenders.

ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced that Ms Bligh will retire after 30 years in public service.

Mr Irvine said Ms Bligh had played a transformative role for the industry through difficult and necessary periods for the country, and that her broader experience and leadership had been heavily relied upon by ABA members and the financial services sector.

Anna Bligh has announced her retirement from the ABA Photo: Josh O’Reilly.

“On behalf of the membership and Council of the ABA, I would like to thank Anna for her enormous contributions to our industry and recognise the significant impact she has had,” Mr Irvine said.

“The role of an industry association CEO is always a challenging one and we are certainly fortunate that Anna has invested so much time and energy for Australian financial services.

“She has held a relentless focus on helping and supporting customers, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Ms Bligh commenced as ABA CEO in April 2017, just months before the Royal commission into the Banking Superannuation and Financial Services Industry to inquire about the misconduct by the sector.

She said the role had been a rollercoaster, but one that was enormously professionally and personally satisfying.

“Australia’s banks have thoughtful people committed to their customers and it’s been a pleasure to work with them,” she said.

“Our banks pull some of the biggest levers in the economy and have enormous impact on people’s lives, so I’ve relished the chance to play a part in improving the system and making a difference.”

Originally published as Former Labor premier Anna Bligh to retire as CEO of Australian Banking Association