Strategy & Practice Management

Westpac announces new Chief Operating Officer

Westpac has announced that it has created a new Group Operating Office, bringing together Group Operations and Group Technology, and has appointed Scott Collary to lead this division as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Collary joins Westpac from Bank of Montreal in Canada, Westpac reported in a press release, where he has held the role of Chief Information and Operations Officer for its North American Personal & Business Banking, Private Wealth and Global Asset Management divisions. Prior to this, Collary held senior positions at ANZ and Citigroup.

Peter King, Group Chief Executive Officer, Westpac, said: “I’m delighted to welcome an executive of Scott’s calibre to the Westpac team. Scott has extensive experience working in senior financial services roles leading large global teams. He has a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programs at major international banks that improve operating and technology performance.”

“We look forward to Scott leading our technology and operations teams,” King continued.

Collary is due to commence his role later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.

Westpac has also announced that Group Executive, Gary Thursby, has decided to leave the bank early next year.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Westpac over the past 13 years. Having helped Peter and the organisation through a significant year of change, I decided that this is the right time to leave the Group,” said Thursby.

King thanked Thursby for his many years of service and contribution to the Group.

“Gary has made a significant contribution across a broad range of roles, including as Chief Strategy and Operating Officer, as well as running Enterprise Services and more recently acting CFO. He has been instrumental in developing the organisation’s strategy, including Westpac’s FinTech investments, as well as overseeing the implementation of Open Banking and driving efficiencies in the bank’s operations,” said King.

In May, Westpac announced the departure of Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) Craig Bright. Mr Bright’s last day with the bank will be 25 September, 2020, at which point Thursby will act as CIO until Collary commences.