Baird resignation leaves void in NAB broker team

According to NAB group CEO Ross McEwan, Mr Baird has decided to “take a break before considering new opportunities”.

Mr Baird joined NAB in 2017 to head up the bank’s corporate and institutional bank, before assuming the role as head of consumer banking in the back end of 2018.

The former NSW premier claimed he had enjoyed serving under former NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn, Mr McEwan and the board through what he acknowledged was a “challenging and disruptive period”.

Mr Baird also acknowledged “cultural and structural changes being considered” by the bank, which he said would build “strong foundations for NAB’s future”.

In light of Mr Baird’s departure, NAB’s executive general manager, broker partnerships Anthony Waldron will assume the role as interim chief customer officer, consumer banking, while the bank searches for a permanent replacement for Mr Baird. 

NAB is yet to announce Mr Waldron’s interim replacement as EGM, broker partnerships.

Mr Waldron was initially expected to head up the consumer bank strategy, enablement and transformation team, after NAB announced he would be replaced by Nicole Devine as head of broker in December.

Ms Devine was to report to outgoing chief customer officer Mr Baird.  

However, Ms Devine remains listed as NAB’s general manager, performance and operations – a role she commenced in June 2016. 

The Adviser reached out to NAB for clarification regarding Ms Devine’s position and the future of the bank’s third-party leadership team. The Adviser is yet to receive a response.

More to come

[Related: Major bank appoints new head of broker]