ANZ has announced the departure of Deputy CEO Alexis George following her appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer at AMP Limited. Ms. George joined ANZ in 2013 and held significant roles, including Group Executive Wealth and Deputy CEO. Her contributions included leading the simplification of ANZ through divestments in its Wealth businesses and guiding the company's response to COVID-19.
Shayne Elliott, ANZ's Chief Executive Officer, expressed disappointment over her departure but praised her new role at AMP: "While we are incredibly disappointed to lose Alexis, I could not be more proud she has been asked to take on such an important role as the next CEO of AMP."
Mr. Elliott highlighted Ms. George's leadership during the pandemic: "Alexis has made an invaluable contribution over the last seven years and I know she will have a similar impact on her new company. Her leadership during the pandemic was exceptional and made a big difference to how we were able to support our staff and customers through an incredibly challenging period."
He also emphasized her experience: "We will all miss her experience, wise counsel and down-to-earth leadership style. However, as one of the most experienced wealth executives in the country, she is ideally placed to lead AMP through its next phase and we all wish her well on the challenge."
Mr. Elliott remarked on gender diversity in leadership roles: "It is also a good thing our most senior women are being selected for these high-profile and challenging roles. It shows we are providing our people with the opportunities they deserve and Alexis’s appointment as CEO of AMP is ultimately in the best interest of the Australian business community."
Ms. George shared mixed emotions about leaving ANZ: “I’m leaving ANZ with very mixed emotions. While I’m excited about the challenge ahead, I’ll miss the people and the supportive and inclusive culture we’ve built together at ANZ." She added pride in their collective achievements: "I’m very proud to have been part of a team that has continued to focus on our customers while supporting each other during a particularly difficult year."
Her current responsibilities at ANZ will be distributed among members of the Executive Committee.