Westpac hires CBA executive Andrew McMullan as chief data digital and AI officer

Westpac Banking Corporation has strengthened its leadership team by hiring Andrew McMullan, a seasoned executive from Commonwealth Bank (CBA), as its new Chief Data, Digital, and AI Officer. McMullan will report directly to Westpac CEO Anthony Miller, marking the third high-profile recruitment from a rival bank in recent months.

Key Details:

• Andrew McMullan spent nine years at CBA, where he served as Chief Data and Analytics Officer and spearheaded the bank’s AI strategy.
• His appointment makes him the first group executive at a major Australian bank with AI explicitly mentioned in his job title.
• The move signals Westpac’s focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive operational efficiencies and cost reductions as part of a broader technology overhaul.

Strategic Implications:

• CEO Anthony Miller is aggressively reshaping Westpac’s leadership, poaching top talent from competitors to accelerate digital transformation.
• McMullan’s expertise in AI and data analytics will be crucial in modernizing Westpac’s tech infrastructure.
• The hire underscores the growing importance of AI in banking, particularly for automating processes and enhancing customer experiences.

This executive shift highlights the intensifying competition among Australia’s major banks to lead in digital innovation and AI adoption.