The Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and former Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh AC, will retire in mid-2025 once a replacement is appointed.

NAB CEO and ABA Chair Andrew Irvine today announced that Ms Bligh will retire after more than eight years in the role.

Mr Irvine said Ms Bligh had played a transformative role for the industry through difficult and necessary periods for the country, and that her broader experience and leadership had been heavily relied upon by ABA members and the financial services sector.

“On behalf of the membership and Council of the ABA, I would like to thank Anna for her enormous contributions to our industry and recognise the significant impact she has had,” Mr Irvine said.

“The role of an industry association CEO is always a challenging one and we are certainly fortunate that Anna has invested so much time and energy for Australian financial services.

“She has held a relentless focus on helping and supporting customers, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community.

“She has been a cornerstone of industry actions following the necessary Royal Commission in 2018-19 and our positive response to support customers and the broader economy during the covid pandemic and recovery.

“It is clear that Anna has the respect of her stakeholders, formed strong working relationships with other peak bodies domestically and internationally. She has elevated debate around banking services to a higher, more effective policy-based set of considerations.”

Read the full statement on the Australian Banking Association website.