Industry veteran to oversee group-wide operations at major bank
ANZ has announced the appointment of Stephen White (pictured above) as group executive operations, with the new role reporting directly to chief executive Nuno Matos.
White brings decades of experience in banking operations, most recently serving as chief operating officer at Santander UK since 2022. His background also includes senior positions at Yorkshire Building Society, AIB Group, and National Australia Bank, with roles spanning both the UK and Australian markets.
At ANZ, White will join the group executive committee and take charge of the organisation’s overall operations. His responsibilities will cover banking services, the bank’s group capability centres, as well as property and procurement functions. He is set to commence the role in November 2025 and will be based in Melbourne.
“I’m very pleased to appoint a world-class executive of Stephen’s calibre to this critical role that will help drive consistency and predictability across ANZ,” Matos said on White’s appointment. “This is particularly important as we strengthen our non-financial risk capability.
“Stephen has a proven track record in transforming the operations of large complex businesses, and I know he will make a valuable contribution for our customers, shareholders and employees as we unlock the next phase of our growth.”
The appointment comes as ANZ also announced new strategic partnerships with the University of Queensland (UQ) and Griffith University. These partnerships are part of the bank’s broader commitment to Queensland, following its acquisition of Suncorp Bank.
The collaboration with UQ will focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, sustainable energy transitions, and agricultural technology. Meanwhile, Griffith University will work with ANZ on cybersecurity, fraud prevention, digital innovation, and agriculture-related research.
Bruce Rush, ANZ’s managing director for Queensland and CEO of Suncorp Bank, said the university partnerships are designed to support a future-ready workforce and boost local economic development.
“These collaborations allow us to tap into Queensland’s deep well of academic expertise and emerging talent,” Rush said. “Together, we’re building a Queensland pipeline of skilled talent, boosting student’s readiness for the jobs of the future.”
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