In his new role, Hand reports to the firm's CEO for Australia, Mark Whelan. Whelan, appointed to that role in February, had been the previous holder of the position that Hand now takes up. Hand joined ANZ in 1988 and spent 10 years in senior commercial banking roles across business banking, small business and regional commercial banking.

Hand’s appointment is effective immediately. Mark Presland, who is general manager of the Australian branch network, has been appointed as acting managing director for retail distribution while an extensive search is undertaken for a full-time replacement, the bank said in a statement.

The bank recently announced a new head for its Philippines business (see here).