International bank ANZ last week announced the appointment of Jason Murray as country head, Cook Islands, subject to regulatory approvals.

Reporting to Bernie Poort, ANZ regional country manager for Samoa, Cook Islands and Tonga, Murray will have responsibility for the bank’s retail and commercial banking business in the Cook Islands, a statement from ANZ said.

“The Pacific is a key part of ANZ’s international network and the Cook Islands is one of our core Pacific markets. I look forward to working with Jason to build an even stronger business here,” Poort said.

“In Jason’s most recent role as Head of Commercial Banking in Kiribati, he has made a significant contribution, helping to steer the business through Covid-19. He has demonstrated empathetic leadership, genuine care for people and commitment to customers.

“Jason is an experienced banker who has also spent time running his own finance business.

“I’m particularly pleased that we were able to make this appointment internally, reflecting the breadth and depth of leadership potential we have across the Pacific.”

Murray is expected to relocate to the Cook Islands in September.

He takes over the role from New Zealander Bernadette Shaw who left the country in May this year to take up an appointment as ANZ Bank country head for Timor-Leste.

Shaw landed on Rarotonga in 2019 to take up the role of leading the Cook Islands ANZ Bank. She helped lead the bank through a period of “unique challenges” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ANZ Cook Islands relationship manager Bronwyn Clark is currently acting in the country head role. Clark has been on the ANZ Cook Islands leadership team for six years.