ANZ chief executive on extended sick leave

Thursday, 30 May 2019

The chief executive of the country's biggest bank is taking extended sick leave.

ANZ has appointed Antonia Watson, head of retail and business banking, to fill in for David Hisco while he is away.

She told staff on Wednesday that doctors said his prognosis was good.

'So long as he slows down and takes some time off to recover. David has told me he's keen to get back to work as soon as possible but realises how important his health is. We obviously all wish David a speedy recovery.'

Watson becomes acting chief executive and takes on responsibilities for the business in the Pacific.

The Australian has been chief executive of ANZ in New Zealand since 2010.

Before that, he was group managing director of commercial banking in Australia.

In New Zealand Hisco was managing director of finance company UDC between 1998 and 2000, before becoming chairman in 2005.

He is one of the highest paid executives in the country, earning $3.35m in 2018.