Westpac’s head of retail steps down

Westpac Group has announced that David Lindberg, chief executive, consumer, and Craig Bright, chief information officer, will be leaving the bank to assume new roles overseas.

Mr Lindberg, who joined Westpac from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in 2013, has served as head of retail since April 2019.

The outgoing executive has held a number of senior roles at the bank, which included a stint as chief executive, commercial and business bank.

Mr Bright has served as chief innovation officer since December 2018. Prior to joining Westpac, Mr Bright served as global chief technology officer at Citigroup.

Westpac stated that it has commenced an international search for Mr Lindberg and Mr Bright’s replacements.

Westpac group CEO Peter King thanked Mr Lindberg and Mr Bright for their contribution to the bank.

New appointment announced

Meanwhile, the bank has also announced the appointment of Les Vance to a new role as group executive, financial crime, compliance and conduct.

Mr Vance will be charged with overseeing the group’s financial crime, compliance and conduct management.

According to Westpac, Mr Vance’s appointment would allow chief risk officer David Stephen to focus on the financial risk management of the organisation, particularly across the credit portfolio, amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Vance currently serves as chief operating officer, consumer division.

Commenting on Mr Vance’s appointment, Mr King said: “Les is a thoughtful and energetic executive who will bring a forensic approach to improving and strengthening Westpac’s financial crime and compliance management.

“Westpac has made significant progress in improving its financial crime capability, and I am confident Les will continue to build on this platform of work. His deep understanding of the bank and risk management will help us further strengthen our management of non-financial risk.

“Les will bring his considerable experience, knowledge and integrity to his new role.”

[Related: Westpac cracks down on self-employed borrowers]