Veteran bank executive steps in as Florian prepares to retire after eight years in role
ANZ has announced the appointment of Michael Bullock (pictured) as acting group executive of technology and group services, following the planned retirement of Gerard Florian, who will step down from the role in August.
Bullock, currently chief information officer at ANZ Bank New Zealand, will assume the acting position while the bank undertakes a global search for a permanent successor. He joined ANZ in 2009 and brings extensive financial services experience, having previously held senior roles at Citi in New York and London. Within ANZ, he has served as Chief Operations Officer for New Zealand and the Pacific, and as Head of Institutional Operations.
“Michael is a highly experienced technology executive who I know will do an outstanding job leading our technology function while we conduct a global search for our next technology leader," ANZ chief executive Nuno Matos said. “His work in leading the successful delivery of the BS11 regulatory project in New Zealand has him well placed to lead technology during a period where we will have an intense focus on improving our approach to non-financial risk.”
Florian (pictured right), who joined ANZ in 2017, will retire after more than four decades in the technology sector. He has led the bank’s technology strategy and infrastructure and previously advised ANZ's board through the International Technology and Digital Business Advisory Panel.
Matos acknowledged Florian’s contributions, noting his leadership in driving cloud, AI and enterprise platform adoption. “Our customer and banker experience is notably better due to the adoption of cloud services, artificial intelligence and enterprise platforms, championed by Gerard,” he said.
“Gerard can be particularly proud of the work he has done to build diverse teams within technology. He also leaves a lasting legacy through his sponsorship of our Abilities Network, which strives to improve the employee or customer experience for those with a disability.”
Florian will remain with the bank to ensure a smooth transition.
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