Anna Bligh to step down after eight years leading the trade body
Australian Banking Association (ABA) chief executive Anna Bligh (pictured above) will step down from her role in mid-2025, following the appointment of a successor.
Bligh’s career spans more than 30 years in public service. Before joining the ABA, she held ministerial roles in education, finance, and treasury before serving as Queensland premier from 2007 to 2012. She was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2017 and holds honorary doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University.
ABA chair and National Australia Bank (NAB) CEO Andrew Irvine announced Bligh’s decision to retire, acknowledging her significant contributions to the industry.
“On behalf of the membership and council of the ABA, I would like to thank Anna for her enormous contributions to our industry and recognise the significant impact she has had,” Irvine said.
He highlighted Bligh’s leadership during key industry challenges, including the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She has held a relentless focus on helping and supporting customers, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community,” Irvine said. “She has elevated debate around banking services to a higher, more effective policy-based set of considerations.”
Bligh, who became ABA CEO in April 2017, described her tenure as both challenging and rewarding.
“Australia’s banks have thoughtful people committed to their customers and it’s been a pleasure to work with them,” she said, noting the industry’s efforts to rebuild public trust and support Australians during the pandemic, including deferring mortgage and loan repayments for those in need.
“Across the sector, Australia’s banks are playing a leadership role in building the digital economy, tackling scams and financial fraud, supporting customers experiencing vulnerability and financial stress, including those experiencing domestic violence and elder abuse.”
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