HSBC exec joins CBA as business lending COO

SCOTT ELLIS
Commonwealth Bank of Australia - General Manager and Chief Operating Officer - Business Lending
DEPARTURE
HSBC BANK AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Date: September 2020
Position: Chief Operating Officer - Asia International Markets
APPOINTMENT
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
Date: September 2020
Position: General Manager and Chief Operating Officer - Business Lending

Industry Moves understands that HSBC Asian International Markets operations chief Scott Ellis has taken a similar role with Commonwealth Bank's business lending division.

Before taking the regional role in Hong Kong, Ellis was the country head for HSBC's wealth management in Australia from 2014-2018. Before that he held operational and strategy roles with Westpac.

"I am hugely excited to return to business banking and to join an organisation that is taking clear actions to serve customers and communities," Ellis wrote on his LinkedIn. "Everyone I met through the interview process was focused, energised, professional and open and this played a key role in my decision to join."

Ellis pointed to the organisation's changes to risk management as being a key consideration for joining. "I have been impressed to read about CBA supporting more business customers through Covid than any other Australian bank. I have learnt about practical support for survivors of domestic abuse and using the app to assist people access previously unknown benefits."

Update:

A spokesperson for CBA has confirmed Ellis' appointment, saying, "We can confirm Scott Ellis has joined CBA as the Chief Operating Officer for the Business Lending team, within the Business Bank. Scott will report into our Executive General Manager for Business Lending, Clare Morgan.

"Scott will be key member of the Business Lending team and we welcome him to CBA."