ASB Bank Names Sinead Taylor as New CEO Following Vittoria Shortt's Departure

ASB Bank Limited (87UO), a New Zealand retail and commercial bank and subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has announced that Vittoria Shortt will step down as CEO and Managing Director on December 11, 2026, after nearly nine years in the role.

Shortt guided the bank through multiple economic cycles, including the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and played a key role in sector-wide efforts to combat fraud and scams impacting New Zealanders. ASB Chair Dame Therese Walsh praised Shortt as 'an exceptional leader' who expanded the bank's business aligned with its purpose and supported both individual customers and New Zealand enterprises throughout her leadership.

Shortt will be succeeded by Sinead Taylor, currently Group Executive Institutional Banking and Markets at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Taylor brings extensive CBA Group leadership experience to the role, including previous executive roles within CBA Group such as Group Executive and Chief Operations Officer, Executive General Manager of Bankwest, and leadership positions across global markets, strategy, marketing, and corporate banking.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has granted regulatory non-objection for Taylor's appointment, which is a standard prerequisite for senior roles at registered New Zealand banks. ASB Chair Dame Therese Walsh highlighted Taylor's proven ability to lead large teams, manage complex transformation initiatives, and enhance risk management frameworks.