ABA appoints another former politician as CEO

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor/Publisher, Financial Newswire

23 June 2025

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has appointed another former politician to be its new chief executive officer – this time recently retired Federal Liberal front-bencher, and former Finance Minister, Simon Birmingham.

Birmingham succeeds former Queensland Labor Premier, Anna Bligh, who had held the role since 2017.

The appointment of a former senior Federal Liberal politician comes despite the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government and appears to reflect the fact that most of Bligh’s tenure as chief executive traversed Coalition Governments.

Birmingham was regarded as a moderate in the Federal Liberal caucas.

Announcing Birmingham’s appointment, ABA chair and National Australia Bank chief executive, Andrew Irvine described him as “a recognised leader who has head deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career.

“Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role. He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry.”

Birmingham entered the banking sector following his retirement from Parliament as the ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and chairman, South Australia.

He will take on the new role in August.