Major bank makes strategic appointment

ANZ today announced the appointment of Kathryn van der Merwe as group executive of talent and culture, reporting to chief executive officer Shayne Elliott.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Elliott said that Ms van der Merwe’s leadership skills and experience in driving organisational change make her “uniquely suited to creating further momentum around the transformation we need at ANZ.”

Ms van der Merwe will join ANZ from Bain & Company, where she has held senior leadership roles focused on business transformation, including a focus on strengthening organisational culture and capability, and the development and delivery of strategies to improve performance and facilitate sustainable growth.

She was previously expert vice president for Bain & Company’s results delivery practice in the Asia Pacific region, having worked for the firm for 14 years.

While at the company, Ms van der Merwe developed and led training, staff engagement, leadership programs and recruitment, receiving global recognition for her contribution to training, coaching, mentoring and leadership.

Mr Elliott said: “Kathryn is a business and people leader who is uniquely suited to ANZ’s 21st Century challenges. Lower growth, technological change, heightened customer and community expectations, and increasing competition are necessitating rapid organisational change.

“Culture, talent and the engagement of our people are the keys to unlocking ANZ’s ability to rapidly adapt and to deliver a winning position in the eyes of our customers, shareholders and the community.”

Ms van der Merwe will join ANZ on 1 May 2017 and be based in Melbourne.

[Related: Major bank appoints new head of sustainable finance]