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Australian Bankers' Association appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Sydney, 22 January, 2010: The Chairman of the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA), Ralph Norris, today announced the appointment of Steven Münchenberg as the new Chief Executive Officer of the ABA.
Mr. Norris said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of Mr. Münchenberg. It is a smooth succession for the ABA which has enjoyed nine years of excellent stewardship under Chief Executive Officer, David Bell.
Mr. Norris said: “Steven brings a wealth of experience to the ABA and will focus on enhancing the work of the association which is an effective advocate for the banking industry and its customers.”
“I would like to thank David for his excellent contribution to the industry over the last nine years and who will leave the ABA in a strong position. David has been tireless in working on behalf of banks and has successfully led the industry in dealing with regulation emanating from Canberra, our States and Territories and overseas.”
“Steven is extremely well qualified to take over from David and we all look forward to his arrival.”
“One of the key roles for Steven will be explaining to the community and Governments whether the regulatory developments, which are being developed overseas in response to the global financial crisis, are appropriate for the Australian banking system. He’s definitely up to this task.”
Mr. Münchenberg has had over 20 years experience in public policy in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He is currently head of Government Affairs & Public Policy for the National Australia Bank, a role he has held for the past three years.
Prior to this, he was Deputy Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, representing the chief executives of the top 100 corporations in Australia.
He has also been Chief Executive of a not-for-profit organisation working in the minerals sector and has worked at senior levels within the Commonwealth Government.
Mr. Münchenberg said: “I am excited about this new challenge of representing our competitive and efficient banking sector. Australia has one of the most secure and successful industries in the world, as proven by our performance during the global financial crisis.”
“This is also a critical time to be taking on this role. Governments around the world are rightly looking at the lessons that must be learnt from the recent crisis. Our challenge is to protect and enhance the qualities of our banking sector which made it resilient and strong, while adapting to the post-crisis environment.”
Mr. Münchenberg will start his new role on 8 March 2010 and Mr. Bell will remain ABA CEO until then.
Mr. Bell said: “Steven is an excellent choice and he is well qualified to take on this key role. This has been the most interesting role in my career to date and I would like to pay tribute to the hard working ABA team which I have been proud to lead. With their support and dedication, plus the important contribution from member banks, the ABA has been able to play a crucial role in public policy development on behalf of the banking sector.”
The ABA presents banking industry views to Government, other decision makers and to the community. The industry association works to ensure the banking system can continue to deliver the benefits of competition to Australian banking customers.
For further information:
Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439
ENDS
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