Westpac Banking Corporation Adds Two Independent Non-Executive Directors

​Westpac Banking Corporation has announced the appointment of Debra Hazelton and David Cohen as independent Non-Executive Directors, pending regulatory approval. Hazelton is set to join the board around 3 March 2025, while Cohen's appointment is expected to take effect around 1 April 2025.

Hazelton, who has experience in banking transformation, capital markets, and organizational management in Australia and Japan, will serve on Westpac’s Board Remuneration Committee. She currently chairs Export Finance Australia and holds directorships at Persol Holdings Co. Ltd. and Australia Post. Her previous roles include Chair of AMP Ltd and AMP Bank.

Cohen has extensive experience in financial services and corporate governance. He was Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) from 2018 to 2023, overseeing business divestments, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance matters. Before that, he held senior executive roles at CBA, including Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer. He will join Westpac’s Board Risk Committee.

Westpac's board changes come as the bank continues to adjust its governance structure in response to regulatory and operational priorities.