Carolyn McCann

Westpac is delighted to announce a major new three-year partnership with Queensland Rugby League (QRL) that will see Westpac become front of jersey sponsor for the Queensland Maroons men and shoulder sponsor for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons women.

The partnership builds on Westpac’s commitment to providing equal opportunities in both the men’s and women’s game. It will support all levels of the game in Queensland, from grassroots clubs across the state, future pathways for talented young female athletes through the Future Women’s Maroons Academy, and elite level through the State of Origin series.

To further demonstrate Westpac’s commitment to the safety of Queenslanders, Westpac will also donate $5,000 to the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in Queensland for every Maroons try scored by both the men and women’s teams at the 2024 State of Origin series.

At a partnership announcement today at Kayo Stadium, Maroons stars Ben Hunt & Ali Brigginshaw, Maroons women’s coach Tahnee Norris and Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin were joined by Westpac’s Group Executive, Customer & Corporate Relations, Carolyn McCann.

“Westpac has a long and proud history in Queensland. Our first branch opened in Brisbane in 1850, and we’ve been helping keep Queenslanders safe through our partnership with the rescue helicopters for more than 47 years in the state,” said Westpac’s Carolyn McCann.

“Our partnership with QRL further strengthens our commitment to Queensland and will enable us to connect more customers, communities and clubs with the game across the state, from grassroots to elite level.

“We’re proud to be one of the biggest supporters of female participation in sport in Australia. We’ll continue to grow both the men’s and women’s game in Queensland through this partnership, whether it’s at the grassroots level, female pathways programs, or at State of Origin. We can’t wait to get started.”

QRL Chief Executive Ben Ikin said. “We are thrilled to welcome Westpac to the Queensland Rugby League family at such an exciting time for the game in our state. Community rugby league participation numbers are up, we’ve witnessed another enthralling finals series in our statewide competitions, and our Queensland Maroons are building something special following series wins in the men’s and women’s Origins. This partnership with Westpac will only add to that momentum, as they share our passion for supporting communities right across Queensland.”

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw said: “This partnership represents another significant step forward for women’s rugby league. I often reflect on how far the game has come since my time playing junior footy against the boys in Ipswich, and it’s inspiring to be able to lead our state while knowing that Westpac are right behind the team and the Future Women’s Maroons Academy.”

To celebrate this new partnership, from 20 – 23 September 2023, Westpac and Queensland Rugby League will be showing off the new Maroons jersey and both State of Origin shields with current players and former Origin greats at a first-of-its-kind regional roadshow. Fans will be invited to take pictures with both shields and players using a bespoke filter which allows them to try the new jersey on virtually, before it becomes available in December.

Westpac and Queensland Rugby League roadshow dates & venues

• Wednesday 20 September: Westpac Toowoomba, Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre 10 – 11:30am
• Thursday 21 September: Westpac Rockhampton, Stockland Shopping Centre 12 – 2pm
• Friday 22 September: Westpac Mackay, Caneland Central 10 – 11:30 am
• Saturday 23 September: Westpac Townsville, Castletown Shopping Centre 10 – 12pm

The new jersey for the Queensland Maroons will be available in-store in December.

The post Westpac and Queensland Rugby League announce major partnership backing equal participation in sport appeared first on AdviserVoice.

“To sharpen our focus, we are appointing dedicated Group Executives responsible for Consumer banking and Business banking,” said Mr King.

“Over the past few years we’ve simplified the bank, including exiting nine businesses. As a result, we no longer need a Specialist Businesses Division.”

“We are also establishing a stand-alone function to accelerate our Technology simplification and will move Operations to Corporate Services, creating an expanded shared services team.”

Leadership Changes:

• Jason Yetton, Chief Executive, Consumer
• Anthony Miller, Chief Executive, Business & Wealth
• Nell Hutton, Chief Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank
• Scott Collary, Chief Information Officer
• Carolyn McCann, Group Executive Customer & Corporate Services

With the separation of Consumer & Business Banking, Chris de Bruin, current Chief Executive, Consumer & Business Banking has decided to leave the Group to pursue new opportunities.

“I want to thank Chris for his contribution to the bank. In particular, he’s led the digitisation of the Consumer bank, including the delivery of major initiatives such as the digital mortgage and payment solutions. He’s also driven our branch co-location strategy and strengthened the franchise. Chris will assist with the transition to the new structure,” Mr King said.

“The new structure will give the leadership team a greater focus on growing their businesses and delivering for customers.

“Jason has a 30-year history with the Group. His breadth of expertise stretches across all facets of banking, including time running Westpac’s retail and business banking division from 2011 to 2015. Jason has also led our portfolio simplification since 2020.

“Since joining three years ago, Anthony has grown our institutional business while improving return. He is a seasoned banker, having held executive and client facing roles at some of the world’s leading banks. Anthony is well-placed to drive growth in Westpac business banking.”

Mr King said he was pleased to have someone of Ms Hutton’s calibre join the executive team.

“Nell is an outstanding leader, who has delivered a strong performance during her time leading Financial Markets and will continue to build the Institutional Bank.”

Mr King said the Group has a significant technology and customer agenda underway.

“Scott Collary will continue to spearhead our technology transformation with a focus on streamlining our tech systems across the Westpac Group, while Carolyn McCann will lead an expanded division for customer and corporate shared services, including operations, helping to leverage the benefits of scale.”

The organisation changes will take effect on 1st August 2023 and will be reflected in the 2024 financial results.

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