Media Release

Westpac Group today announced the appointment of Peter Hanlon to the role of Chairman of the BankSA Board, effective 1 July 2014. The appointment follows the decision by the current BankSA Board Chairman, Rob Chapman, to retire.

Westpac Chief Executive of Australian Financial Services, Brian Hartzer, said Mr Hanlon’s extensive experience in retail and business banking and his reputation in South Australia made him the natural choice for the role.

“Peter is a highly respected executive and, importantly, a South Australian local. His extensive experience in banking combined with his intimate understanding of the South Australian environment will add substantially to our important strategic agenda for BankSA. South Australia is a key area of opportunity for Westpac as we remain focused on supporting Australia’s economic prosperity. Peter will work with BankSA’s Chief Executive, Nick Reade, and his leadership team to guide the business, ensuring the BankSA brand can continue to deliver great outcomes for our customers and our local communities.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Rob for his strong contribution to the growth of the BankSA brand during his two years as Chairman and, prior to that, as BankSA Chief Executive. His leadership cemented BankSA’s position as an iconic South Australian bank,” he said.

Mr Hanlon joined Westpac in 1995 from BankSA, where he was Chief Manager of Branch Sales and Service. He held senior roles on Westpac’s executive team from 2007, including Group Executive, Retail and Business Banking. He established the Australian Financial Services division of the Westpac Group and was Chief Executive of the division during its inaugural year.