ANZ has announced the departure of Dr. Kathryn van der Merwe, Group Executive Talent and Culture and Service Centres, who will be leaving to join Telstra. Dr. van der Merwe started with ANZ on May 1, 2017, and took on additional responsibilities for the bank's service centers in Bengaluru, Manila, and Chengdu in April 2021. She has been an advocate for ANZ’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Throughout her tenure at ANZ, Dr. van der Merwe contributed significantly to the transformation of the bank by introducing a new remuneration structure and collaborating with Technology to modernize Talent and Culture platforms. Her role was crucial during ANZ’s response to COVID-19 disruptions.
ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott remarked: “Kath has played an important role in the bank we’re building by strengthening our overall employee experience. She has helped create a solid foundation for our culture and values as well as new ways of leading and can be proud of her significant achievements over the past six years at ANZ. I wish her all the best for the future.”
Dr. van der Merwe expressed: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at ANZ and am incredibly proud of my team and how we’ve worked together to deliver what matters for our people, customers, shareholders, and the community.”
The bank will conduct a search for a permanent replacement while Richard Howell will assume the role of Acting Group Executive Talent and Culture starting June 1, 2023. Sreeram Iyer will take over responsibility for ANZ’s Service Centres in an acting capacity from the same date.
Dr. van der Merwe is set to conclude her duties at ANZ by the end of May 2023.