Simon Birmingham’s next move revealed
One week after announcing his retirement from politics, outgoing Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham has confirmed his move into the private sector.
Simon Birmingham has taken up a top job at one of Australia’s largest banks one week after announcing his retirement from politics.
The opposition foreign affairs spokesman and Coalition senate leader said he would quit at next year’s federal election, at the time noting he would take a “new commercially oriented direction”.
Today, ANZ announced that Birmingham was appointed as Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman, South Australia.
He will report directly to group executive Mark Whelan and will work closely with CEO Shayne Elliott, ANZ said.
Birmingham will join ANZ in February 2025 and will be based in Adelaide.
According to the ANZ, his role will involve “expanding and strengthening ANZ’s trade relationships and capital flows, working with customers, governments and investors across the Asia Pacific”.
“In his role as Chairman, South Australia, Mr Birmingham will also drive ANZ’s growth agenda across the bank’s Institutional, Commercial and Retail businesses in South Australia,” ANZ said.
Elliott said Birmingham’s “significant experience and knowledge of trade, investment and the economies and governments of the Asia Pacific, will help ANZ and our customers to create opportunities across the region”.
“Since opening our first South Australian branch in Glenelg in 1837, ANZ and our customers have played a significant role in the state’s economy,” said Elliott.
“Mr Birmingham’s knowledge of and commitment to his home state will allow us to deepen our support for our South Australian customers and the state’s economy.
“His understanding of many of the state’s key industries – such as agriculture, tourism, defence, and education – will help drive opportunities for our South Australian customers, including those exporting to the world.”
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Birmingham said he looked forward to joining the ANZ as the SA chair.
“ANZ has long played a strong role in promoting trade and capital flows throughout the Asia Pacific, facilitating the growth of Australian companies overseas and investment flows into Australia,” Birmingham said.
“I look forward to working closely with ANZ’s customers and the bank’s leadership, both at home and across the Asia Pacific region.
“South Australia’s economy increasingly demonstrates confidence and momentum. I welcome the opportunity to work with my future ANZ colleagues to further support the growth opportunities with local SA businesses and the South Australian Government.”
