Former Hockey adviser joins ABA

Tony Pearson has been appointed as the new executive director – industry policy, reporting to the chief executive.

Mr Pearson, who began his career at the Reserve Bank, has worked as a senior policy adviser to Joe Hockey, both as shadow treasurer and then treasurer, for the past five years.

His most recent role was chief economist to the treasurer. Prior to that, Mr Pearson was chief economist at Futurenomics, deputy chief economist and head of industry and strategic analysis at ANZ and global head of economics, global markets division at NAB.

In addition, Aidan O’Shaughnessy has been appointed to the position of policy director – industry policy.

Mr O’Shaughnessy has extensive experience with ASIC, most recently as senior specialist – strategic policy.

Christine Cupitt has been appointed to the position of policy director – retail policy.

Until recently she was associate director – risk consulting, wealth management advisory at KPMG.

Prior to that, she was compliance and regulatory change manager – distribution and sales at AMP and regulatory and risk manager at Hillross Financial Services.

Finally, Nic Frankham has been appointed as the new director, communications and government relations.

“We are very pleased with the high quality of people we have been able to attract to join the already strong team at the ABA,”  Steve Münchenberg, ABA chief executive, said.

“We are now well placed to work with our members to ensure the banking industry is recognised widely as an essential and responsible contributor to Australia’s prosperity,” he said.