Major bank CFO quits, CEO ‘disappointed’

ANZ’s chief financial officer, Michelle Jablko, has resigned after four years, accepting a senior role outside of the finance sector.

Ms Jablko is set to head up the finance team at Transurban, the toll road company, in early 2021.

Since joining in 2016, Ms Jablko has been a member of ANZ’s executive committee, a director of ANZ Bank New Zealand, and was an executive sponsor for ANZ’s Pride Network.

ANZ chief executive officer Shayne Elliot said the bank was “disappointed [she] is leaving”. 

“While we are disappointed Michelle is leaving, we respect her decision and wish her the best in her new role,” he said.

The CEO said that Ms Jablko could be “incredibly proud of all she has achieved at ANZ”, particularly calling out how she had “transformed [ANZ’s] finance function while also being instrumental in the simplification and strengthening of the organisation”.

“She will always remain a good friend of the bank, and I personally thank her for her considerable contribution over the past four and a half years,” Mr Elliott said.

Speaking of her departure, Ms Jablko explained: “It was an incredibly tough decision to leave ANZ; however, I am looking forward to putting my experiences to use in another industry.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Shayne and the broader team as well as playing a role in the bank’s continued success,” she continued. 

“I’m particularly proud of the work we have done to strengthen and simplify the bank as well as the highly capable finance function we have built over the last few years. I know the team will continue to do a great job for ANZ’s shareholders and customers.”

Transurban confirmed that Ms Jablko would be joining the company as its new chief financial officer in 2021 and would be based in Melbourne.

Transurban CEO Scott Charlton stated: "We are delighted that Michelle will be joining Transurban Group and I believe that with her leadership, capabilities and experience she will make a significant contribution to the Transurban business".

[Related: ANZ executive reappointed to Takeovers Panel]