Gail Kelly
Gail Kelly | |
|---|---|
| Born | Currer Pretoria, South Africa |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1980–2015 |
| Known for | First female CEO of a leading Australian bank; CEO of Westpac (2008–2015) |
Gail Kelly (born Currer) is a business leader originally from South Africa who made history in 2002 as the first woman to serve as CEO of a leading Australian bank. By 2005, she was recognized as the top-earning female executive within an Australian corporation. Kelly held the position of CEO at Westpac from 2008 until 2015. In 2010, Forbes listed her as the 8th most influential woman worldwide, while in 2014 she was ranked 56th.
Early life and education
Kelly was born in Pretoria, South Africa. She obtained an arts degree focusing on history and Latin, alongside a Diploma in Education, from the University of Cape Town. In December 1977, she wed Allan Kelly.
Teaching
Before transitioning into banking, Kelly taught Latin at Falcon College located in Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe). Upon returning to South Africa, she continued her teaching career while supporting her husband through medical school.
Banking
Kelly’s entry into banking began in 1980 at Nedcor Bank, starting as a teller and advancing rapidly through an intensive training scheme. During her first pregnancy, she completed an MBA with distinction from Wits Business School in 1987. By 1990, she was leading human resources at Nedcor and subsequently took on various general management roles including oversight of cards and personal banking divisions.
In the mid-1990s, pursuing broader prospects, Kelly relocated to Australia and joined the Commonwealth Bank in 1997 as General Manager of Strategic Marketing. By 2002, she was responsible for the bank’s Customer Service Division and its branch network operations.
Her achievements resulted in her appointment as CEO of St. George Bank in January 2002. Under her guidance, St. George experienced significant improvements in profitability and asset returns. The bank’s market capitalization rose by $3 billion during her leadership, earning her Best Financial Services Executive accolades in both 2003 and 2004. Although there was speculation about her returning to Commonwealth Bank as CEO in 2005, she remained at St. George.
In August 2007, Kelly stepped down from St. George to assume the role of CEO at Westpac beginning February 2008. Soon after taking charge, she announced an $18.6 billion merger between Westpac and St. George Bank, completed by May 2008. The merged entity served approximately 10 million customers, commanded a quarter of the Australian home loans market, and managed investment funds totaling $108 billion.
In October 2010, Kelly set a goal for women to fill 40% of Westpac’s top 4000 leadership positions—a target that was nearly reached by March 2012.
On 13 November 2014, Kelly declared her intention to retire as Westpac CEO effective February 2015; Brian Hartzer succeeded her.
Book
Kelly published her memoir titled Live Lead Learn: My Stories of Life and Leadership through Viking in August 2017. The book shares insights into her journey balancing high-profile business leadership with motherhood of four children.
Impact and influence
In recognition of her influence, Forbes ranked Kelly as the world’s 8th most powerful woman in 2010 and placed her at number 56 in their list for 2014.
Ranking
Forbes - Most Powerful Women Worldwide
| Year | Position |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2008 | 11 |
Fortune - Various Lists
| Year | List | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The World's 50 Greatest Leaders | 49 |
| 2014 | Most Powerful Women Asia-Pacific | 1 |
| 2014 | Global Edition: 50 Most Powerful Women | 10 |
| 2013 | Global Business: Top 50 Most Powerful Women | 3 |
| 2012 | Global Business: Top Most Powerful Women | 2 |
| 2011 | International Power List (Top 50) | 2 |
| 2010 | International Power List (Top 50) | 2 |
| 2009 | Global Business Top Women (50) | 2 |
| 2008 | Global Business Top Women (50) | 2 |
| 2007 | Global Power List: Top Women (50) | 28 |
Financial Times
| Year | List | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Top Women in World Business (50) | 12 |
| 2010 | Top Women in World Business (50) | 17 |
The Australian Financial Review/Boss Magazine
| Year | List | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | True Leaders: Endurance | |
| 2008 | AFR Magazine: Sectoral Power – Financial Services | 2 |
Other Australian newspapers
| Year | Publication | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2015 | The Australian's Deal Magazine – Australia’s Most Powerful Women (50) | 40 |
Additional publications
| Year | Title | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Morningstar – CEO of the Year Award | Joint runner-up |
| 2014 | Australian Women Online – Power List | 4 |
| 2013 | Crikey – Power Index (50) | 20 |
| 2011 | Insto Magazine – Banker of the Year | 1 |
External links
- Crown Content, Who's Who in Australia 2005, North Melbourne, page 1050
- Profile of Gail Kelly in Melbourne Age, 2 July 2005
- Transcript of ABC Australia Business Breakfast, 7 May 2003
- Article from the Sydney Morning Herald on Kelly’s contract renewal at St George, November 2004
- Weekend Australian feature discussing Kelly as a top contender to replace David Murray at Commonwealth Bank