Baird to exit NAB, interim replacement announced

NAB has announced that Mike Baird, chief customer officer, consumer banking, will leave the bank, effective 15 April.

According to NAB group CEO Ross McEwan, Mr Baird has decided to take a break before considering new opportunities.

“Mike has been a tremendous leader, challenger of convention and staunch advocate for customers in his time at NAB. He has always spoken up for doing the right thing and been a voice for the broader community,” Mr McEwan said.

“I am pleased that he has been part of my leadership team but understand and accept the reasons for his decision to leave.”

Mr Baird joined NAB in 2017 to head up the bank’s corporate and institutional bank, before assuming the role as head of consumer banking in the back end of 2018.

The former NSW premier claimed he had enjoyed serving under former NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn, Mr McEwan and the board through what he acknowledged was a “challenging and disruptive period”, and noted strategic changes being considered within the bank. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ross and I know the cultural and structural changes being considered will be strong foundations for NAB’s future. He will make a big difference,” he said.

“I have an open mind about what I will do next and will use the time to determine where I believe I can make the best, most fulfilling contribution to business and the wider community.”

NAB revealed that Anthony Waldron, executive general manager, broker partnerships will act as chief customer officer, consumer banking, while NAB searches for a permanent replacement for Mr Baird. 

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