Mike Baird joins NAB executive team

National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced the appointment of former NSW Premier, Mike Baird, as chief customer officer, corporate and institutional banking, effective April 2017.

Baird started his career with NAB as a graduate in 1989 and spent 17 years working in corporate and institutional banking roles in Australia and overseas with NAB, Deutsche Bank and HSBC before entering state politics in 2007. He became the NSW Premier in April 2014.

Commenting on his appointment, NAB group CEO, Andrew Thorburn, said: "His time as Treasurer and Premier of New South Wales means he returns to banking and NAB with invaluable experience in leading economic and financial reform. Mike has outstanding leadership and a determination to drive change and make a difference by building relationships with customers and the community."

Joining Baird at NAB is Patrick Wright, as chief technology and operations officer and Sharon Cook in the newly-created role of chief legal and commercial counsel.

Thorburn added: "Mike, Sharon and Patrick each bring to NAB exceptional track records of performance and delivery and will help accelerate the execution of our strategy...they are also authentic, inspiring and passionate leaders whose values align with NAB's values and our ambition to be Australia and New Zealand's most respected bank."

Baird, who will be based in Sydney, replaces Cathryn Carver, who has been acting in the role of chief customer officer, corporate and institutional banking since July 2016.