Audette Exel AO has joined the board at Westpac as a non-executive director.
The noted philanthropist previously held a similar role at Suncorp and will take up her new position as of 1 September.
She has a long history in the finance industry, with 35 years in financial services and a background in social enterprises, most notably through Adara, the NGO that she founded in 1998 to help women and children living in poverty.
“We are delighted to welcome Audette to the Board,” said John McFarlane, Chairman of Westpac. “Audette’s extensive business leadership experience, entrepreneurship and deep contribution to philanthropy will bring new insights to the Board and complement Westpac’s purpose of helping Australians and New Zealanders succeed.”
Exel did an eight-year stint on the board at Suncorp, which ended last September.
“I am honoured to join the Board of Australia’s oldest company,” she wrote in a statement announcing the decision on the ASX. “Westpac is hugely important to the lives of so many Australians and New Zealanders, and has played an important role in the economic and social fabric of those countries. I very much look forward to becoming part of the Westpac Group and to working with John and the Board.”
