Westpac appoints international banking exec as operations chief

Westpac has appointed international banking executive Scott Collary as chief operations officer. The role will look after the new group operating office, which brings together Westpac's operations and technology functions.

Collary is currently the chief information and operations officer for Canadian-based BMO Financial Group. There he looked after the organisation's North American personal and business banking. He was previously the group CIO for ANZ in Melbourne and has held senior positions with Citibank, Fifth Third Bank, and Bank of America.

"Scott has extensive experience working in senior financial services roles leading large global teams," said Westpac CEO Peter King. "He has a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programs at major international banks that improve operating and technology performance."

Collary replaces Gary Thursby, who announced his intention to leave earlier this year after 13 years with the organisation.