ANZ Group Executive Australia to depart

ANZ has announced the departure of group executive, Australia, Fred Ohlsson, who is taking a career-break in his native Sweden after 17-years' service.

Ohlsson joined ANZ in 2001 and has held senior roles in retail and commercial banking across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to starting his current role in early 2016, Ohlsson served for five years as managing director retail & business banking in New Zealand.

Current group executive business & private banking, Mark Hand, has been appointed acting group executive Australia, while the bank reviews "the best structure for the Australia Division". Hand will commence in the role on December 29, subject to regulatory requirements, with Ohlsson assisting in a hand-over during January.

ANZ chief executive officer, Shayne Elliott, said of the changes: "Fred is a valued colleague and can be proud of the significant contribution he has made to ANZ over many years. He has put in place a strong and diverse leadership team and we are fortunate to have an experienced retail and commercial banker in Mark Hand to lead our Australia Division."

Commenting on his departure, Ohlsson added: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to take a career-break. My children are of an age where we can go back to Sweden for an extended period and both my wife and I feel we owe them that opportunity."