ANZ has announced the appointment of Simon Birmingham as Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman for South Australia. He will report to Group Executive, Institutional, Mark Whelan, and collaborate with CEO Shayne Elliott.
In his new role, Birmingham will focus on enhancing ANZ's trade relationships and capital flows across the Asia Pacific. As Chairman for South Australia, he will drive growth in ANZ’s Institutional, Commercial, and Retail sectors within the state.
Shayne Elliott commented on the appointment: “Simon Birmingham has had a distinguished career as a Senator for South Australia and Australian Cabinet Minister, including as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and Minister for Finance. His significant experience and knowledge of trade, investment and the economies and governments of the Asia Pacific will help ANZ and our customers to create opportunities across the region."
Elliott further highlighted Birmingham's understanding of key industries in South Australia such as agriculture, tourism, defense, and education. This knowledge is expected to support opportunities for local customers exporting globally.
“As Australia’s leading international bank," Elliott added, "our business is focused on supporting the trade and capital flows of our customers across the Asia Pacific and beyond. With Mr Birmingham’s appointment, we look forward to helping our customers to access new markets or expand and deepen their existing relationships across the 29 economies in which we operate.”
Birmingham expressed enthusiasm about his new role: “ANZ has long played a strong role in promoting trade and capital flows throughout the Asia Pacific... I look forward to working closely with ANZ’s customers and the bank’s leadership both at home and across the Asia Pacific region.”
He also noted South Australia's economic momentum: “South Australia’s economy increasingly demonstrates confidence and momentum. I welcome the opportunity to work with my future ANZ colleagues to further support growth opportunities with local SA businesses and the South Australian Government.”
Birmingham has been a Senator since May 2007. He served nearly a decade as a minister involved in major trade agreements such as ASEAN's largest pact. He was also part of critical decisions like AUKUS during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Before politics, he worked in sectors like wine, tourism, and hospitality. He holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide.
Birmingham will assume his new position at ANZ in February 2025 after resigning from his Senate post. He will be based in Adelaide.