Former Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham appointed new ABA chief executive
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The news: Former Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham has been appointed chief executive of the Australian Banking Association (ABA), replacing retiring incumbent Anna Bligh.
The context: Birmingham will step down from his role as ANZ’s head of Asia Pacific engagement and chair of South Australia to lead the banking industry group from 18 August.
Bligh will finish her eight-year tenure as the ABA’s chief executive on 22 August. She announced her retirement in February, the same month that Birmingham began at ANZ.
After a 17-year stint in the Senate, Birmingham announced he would leave federal politics in November 2024 and resigned in late-January 2025.
He has formerly served as Finance Minister, leader of the government in the Senate, Trade, Tourism, and Investment Minister, Education and Training Minister, and manager of government business in the Senate.
He was opposition spokesman for foreign affairs from 2022 until his retirement. Prior to his election to the Senate, Birmingham worked with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and the Australian Hotels Association.
What they said: In a media statement, Birmingham said he “will always put trust in Australia’s banking system first, pursue a competitive regulatory environment, and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia’s financial interests”.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a statement that “the Australian Banking Association is fortunate to be bringing in someone of Simon Birmingham’s calibre as its new CEO”.
“I'm looking forward to engaging with him on the big issues shaping Australia’s banking sector," he said.
Meanwhile, ABA chair and NAB chief executive Andrew Irvine said “Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role”.
“He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry.”
The source: Australian Banking Association media release
