NAB exec moves to BNZ as first female CEO

NAB has announced that Angela Mentis has been appointed as managing director and CEO of Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), effective 1 January 2018.

Mentis, who has been NAB's chief customer officer for business and private banking since August 2016, will relocate to New Zealand for the new role and replace current MD and CEO of BNZ, Anthony Healy. In turn, Healy will return to Australia to take on Mentis' current role.

Mentis was previously NAB's group executive of business banking from August 2014. Before this, she was executive general manager of NAB Business and executive general manager of NAB Private Wealth.

Beginning her career at Macquarie Bank, Mentis has also held senior management positions at BT Financial Group, Westpac and Citibank Limited.

Commenting on the changing roles at NAB, CEO, Andrew Thorburn, said: "The leadership changes are a great opportunity for two of NAB's talented executives to take our strategy forward. Angela and Anthony are outstanding banking executives who have a clear understanding of what is needed to deliver a great customer experience."

He added: "Leading BNZ is an equally exciting opportunity for Angela, who becomes the first female CEO in the company's history. Having served as a director of BNZ since December 2016, Angela knows the bank and its strategy well and her relentless customer focus will ensure BNZ remains focused on delivering for customers, shareholders and employees."