Anna Bligh is a respected Australian leader and former premier of Queensland.
The ABA’s Executive Leadership Team leads the organisation’s work with government, regulators and other stakeholders to improve public awareness and understanding of the banking industry’s contribution to the Australian economy and community.
Anna Bligh
Chief Executive Officer
Since 2017, she has led the Australian Banking Association through a period of critical reform, delivering on the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
While working to strengthen bank culture and rebuild trust, Anna also drove the industry’s response to COVID-19. She was instrumental in delivering a united approach by Australia’s banks, ensuring millions of customers were supported through the pandemic.
Anna was the Premier of Queensland from 2007 – 2012. She delivered significant economic reform to the state, including investment in infrastructure, science, innovation, and the arts. In 2011, Anna managed the state’s response to a devastating series of natural disasters including cyclones and floods.
After her retirement from politics, Anna was appointed CEO of YWCA, NSW with a mission to build a safer world for women and children.
She was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 for services to the Parliament of Queensland, and as an advocate for education, the role of women in public life and services to the not-for-profit sector.
Anna is an ambassador for The Glycomics Institute for the Malaria Vaccine, a non-executive director of Playwriting Australia, a former non-executive Director of Medibank Private and holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University. Anna was recently honoured with the Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award from UQ 2023.
Vanessa Beggs
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Banking Association. She is responsible for working with member banks and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in providing leadership, governance and operational management. Driving the performance of the organisation and the achievement of the industry’s strategic objectives.
Vanessa brings over 25 years’ experience across the corporate, government and not for profit sectors. Vanessa previously held the position of the CEO for the YWCA NSW – leading the organisation from a federated model to a united national organisation, and has also held executive roles in strategy, change management, cultural transformation and organisational development predominantly with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Vanessa serves as a non-executive director of Variety NSW/ACT- the Children’s Charity and of Driveabout World – an Edtech start up improving driver knowledge to achieve road safety.
Chris Taylor
Chief of Policy
Chris Taylor is Chief of Policy at the Australian Banking Association. In this role, Chris is responsible for policy strategy for Australia’s banking industry. His focus is on delivering innovative, equitable and prosperous outcomes for Australia’s banking industry and its customers.
Chris’s 20+ year career has spanned law, business, public policy and government relations. He began working as a corporate lawyer at top-tier law firms in both Australia and the United States, advising clients in the areas of private equity, mergers and acquisitions, financial regulation and infrastructure projects. He has since held commercial and General Counsel roles in both the public and private sector.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Master of Laws (Corporate Finance), Bachelor of International Relations and is completing a Master of Business Administration. Chris is admitted to practice law in Australia and New York.
Fiona Landis
Chief of Corporate Affairs, Australian Banking Association
As Chief of Corporate Affairs at the Australian Banking Association, Fiona is responsible for leading the media, government relations, research and campaign functions. This involves her having a pivotal role in shaping the Australian banking industry’s reputation.
Fiona was previously Director of Government Relations at the ABA, during which time she helped lead the sector’s response to the Banking Royal Commission recommendations.
Fiona has two decades of professional experience in politics, public policy development and issues campaigning in roles as a consultant, in-house at listed companies and associations as well as within government. She has a deep understanding of the parliamentary process. She has advised Cabinet Ministers, senior corporate leaders and has extensive experience in managing high profile communications campaigns.