ANZ New Zealand appoints Acting CEO

ANZ has announced the appointment of Antonia Watson as acting chief executive of ANZ New Zealand, effective immediately.

Watson, who was most recently ANZ New Zealand's managing director of retail and business banking, has stepped up following the departure of David Hisco. In a statement, the bank said Hisco's departure "follows ongoing health issues as well as Board concern about the characterisation of certain transactions following an internal review of personal expenses."

Commenting on Watson's appointment, ANZ New Zealand chair Rt Hon Sir John Key said: "We are fortunate to have an experienced executive in Antonia Watson to step in while we conduct a search for a replacement."

He added: "Antonia's extensive banking career has her well placed to help ANZ manage through this transition."