Simon Birmingham Heads to ANZ Bank After Exiting Politics

Senator Simon Birmingham during the Economics Legislation Committee Budget Estimates 2021–22 at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 2, 2021. Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Senator Simon Birmingham was appointed ANZ Bank’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman for South Australia.

The announcement follows his recent decision to retire from politics after nearly two decades in the Senate.

Birmingham will assume the new roles in February 2025, reporting to Group Executive, Institutional, Mark Whelan and collaborating with ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott.

He will focus on fostering trade relationships and capital flows in his Asia Pacific role, engaging with customers, governments, and regional investors. As Chairman for South Australia, he will drive growth across ANZ’s Institutional, Commercial, and Retail businesses in the state.

“Simon Birmingham has had a distinguished career as a Senator for South Australia and Australian cabinet minister, including as minister for trade, tourism, and investment, and minister for finance,” said Elliott.

“His significant experience and knowledge of trade, investment, and the economies and governments of the Asia Pacific will help ANZ and our customers to create opportunities across the region.”

Political Legacy

Simon Birmingham leaves behind a storied political career. He has served as a Senator for South Australia since 2007 and has held key portfolios, including trade and finance Minister.

Since June 2022, Birmingham served as shadow minister for foreign affairs and Coalition Senate leader.

Reflecting on his parliamentary journey, Birmingham shared an emotional farewell in the Senate, acknowledging mixed feelings about his departure.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Birmingham’s service.

“Birmo has a young family, and I know he’ll appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with them. He has contributed enormously to our nation,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as a figure of “integrity” who earned respect across the political divide. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also lauded his commitment to positive outcomes for Australia.

From Politics to Private Sector Leadership

Birmingham brings to ANZ extensive experience in economic and trade policy, coupled with a background in the wine, tourism, and hospitality sectors prior to his political career.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide.

Commenting on his new role, Birmingham said, “ANZ has long played a strong role in promoting trade and capital flows throughout the Asia Pacific, facilitating the growth of Australian companies overseas and investment flows into Australia. I look forward to working closely with ANZ’s customers and the bank’s leadership, both at home and across the Asia Pacific region.”

Based in Adelaide, Birmingham’s transition marks a significant chapter for his career and ANZ’s vision for regional engagement.