After more than eight years as NAB’s group general counsel, Sharon Cook is set to retire, triggering a series of changes across the bank’s executive leadership team.
The National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced that Sharon Cook (pictured), who currently serves as group executive for customer and corporate services and group general counsel, will be stepping down and retiring from the bank on 31 December.
Cook has been a key member of NAB for more than eight years, joining the bank’s senior leadership team in 2017.
NAB group chief executive officer Andrew Irvine paid tribute to Cook’s extensive contributions and noted the significant impact of her departure.
“I thank Sharon for her significant contribution since joining NAB in 2017 as a member of the executive leadership team. She has always demonstrated a strong commitment to do the right thing by our customers,” Irvine said.
“We will miss her counsel and wish her the best in retirement.”
Following Cook’s retirement, NAB has announced that group chief operating officer Les Matheson will take on the role of group executive for customer and corporate services, effective 1 December.
The bank noted that, in his new role, Matheson’s portfolio will broaden to include oversight of customer services, corporate affairs, climate, and group governance.
In addition, NAB will introduce a new role, executive group general counsel, effective 1 December, to succeed Cook following her retirement.
The bank confirmed that the appointee to this new role will report to Matheson and take responsibility for overseeing legal and regulatory affairs.
Further changes to NAB’s executive team include the promotion of Shane Conway to group executive, transformation, also effective 1 December.
Reporting to Irvine, Conway will continue to oversee the ongoing delivery of the bank’s technology modernisation and simplification agenda.
Commenting on NAB’s executive reshuffle, Irvine said the changes reflect the bank’s push to streamline key programs for faster, simpler customer experiences while showcasing the strength and renewal of its executive talent.
“These changes enable our strategic ambition by bringing together key programs of work that support faster delivery of simpler and better customer experiences,” Irvine said.
“The changes also reflect the ongoing renewal of our executive team and the depth of talent and experience we have across NAB.”
