NAB makes executive appointment

Les Matheson will join NAB as its new chief operating officer (COO), with responsibility for UBank, group marketing, corporate affairs, and other strategic initiatives. Mr Matheson was chief executive for personal and business banking at the RBS until September this year, and worked alongside current NAB CEO Ross McEwan.

“Les is a globally experienced banker and I am very pleased he is joining NAB. During our time working together in the UK, he demonstrated his deep knowledge of what it means to really deliver for customers and colleagues,” Mr McEwan said.

“This experience and the strong leadership Les brings will be important as we look to grow our bank safely and earn the trust and respect of customers and the broader community. His appointment completes my executive leadership team. I look forward to working with Les and all our colleagues at NAB to get on with the job of supporting our customers.”

Prior to RBS, Mr Matheson spent most of his banking career at Citigroup in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region in roles including country officer and retail CEO for Australia. He has also served as deputy chairman of the ABA and a director of Visa Europe.

“I’m very pleased to be returning to Australia and joining NAB. This is a terrific opportunity to work with Ross and his team to deliver on NAB’s refreshed strategy and ambition to serve customers well and help our communities prosper. That’s what good banks should do,” Mr Matheson said.

Mr Matheson will join NAB on 11 January 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.