Gail Kelly: South African-born exec and first female CEO of a major Australian bank
In the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, on a memorable April day in 1956, Gail Kelly was born to British parents, unaware that destiny would lead her to become one of Australia’s most influential figures in the world of finance.
Kelly’s extraordinary journey is a tale of her achievements and a testament to the indomitable spirit of women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Her rise to prominence in finance was marked by numerous accolades, including Forbes’ recognition as the most powerful woman in finance in Australia in 2014.
Even globally, Kelly held her ground, being named the eighth most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2010. Maintaining her esteemed position, she continued to be listed among the leading names in the global finance industry.
Kelly‘s academic prowess paved the way for her career in banking. Armed with a bachelor of arts degree and a higher diploma of education from Cape Town University, she further honed her skills with a master of business administration (with distinction) from the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand.
Her journey into the world of banking began humbly in 1980 as a teller at Nedcor Bank, which later evolved into the banking giant known today as Nedbank Group.
Ten years later, she rose to the head of human resources position at Nedbank Group, showcasing her innate ability to lead and inspire others.
But Kelly’s ambitions knew no bounds, and in 1997, she embarked on a new chapter, seeking fresh opportunities in Australia. Her first venture on Australian soil was as the general manager of strategic marketing at Commonwealth Bank. Her dedication and competence earned her rapid promotions, and by 2002, she was leading the Customer Service Division, responsible for the bank’s extensive branch network.
Kelly’s career trajectory reached new heights when she was appointed the first female CEO of a major Australian bank, the revered St. George Bank, in 2002. Her historic appointment shattered gender barriers and marked a turning point in the Australian corporate landscape. In 2005, she achieved another milestone by becoming the highest-paid woman in an Australian corporation, a testament to her exceptional leadership and business acumen.
Australia’s financial landscape underwent a profound transformation under Kelly’s watchful eye. Her executive banking career spanned 35 years, evenly split between South Africa and Australia. Notably, she served as the group CEO and managing director of two influential banks — St. George Bank from 2002 to 2007 and Westpac from 2008 to 2015.
Under Kelly’s leadership, St. George Bank and Westpac joined forces in 2008, executing the largest in-market merger in Australian financial services.
The visionary amalgamation significantly boosted the country’s financial standing.
By the time of her retirement in February 2015, The Westpac Group had grown to become the second-largest bank in Australia and the 12th-largest globally, a testament to Kelly’s indelible mark on the banking industry.
Yet her ambitions were not confined to corporate success alone.
With an unwavering commitment to gender equality, Kelly took on the challenge of bridging the gender gap within the banking sector. She did not rest on her laurels when she reached her goal of having women fill 40 percent of the top managerial positions at Westpac.
Instead, she raised the bar higher, determined to make a lasting impact on gender equality within the corporate realm.
Reflecting on her career, Kelly shared her determination to lead by example and implement policies and practices that support women’s growth and success.
Her legacy extends far beyond her impressive banking career; she inspires aspiring executives, businesspeople, and women with grand ambitions.