Evans Steps Down as Westpac Chief Economist
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: July 10, 2023
Westpac has turned to the Reserve Bank of Australia for a replacement after announcing that after more than three decades in the role, Bill Evans is stepping down as chief economist of the bank.
Luci Ellis, currently assistant governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia, where she is responsible for the central bank’s economic analysis and research departments, has been named to replace Evans. She has also been at the RBA for over three decades, where she has taken on several senior roles including leading the financial stability department for eight years. She also spent two years on secondment at the Bank of International Settlements in 2007-08.
“Bill has built a legacy of trust and a record of service that is unmatched,” says Westpac CEO Peter King. “His generosity and ability to explain the economy in clear and simple terms has meant that Australians from all walks of life have benefited from his considerable knowledge and insight.”
Evans will take on a new role with the bank as senior economic adviser from January 2024, while Ellis will join Westpac in October.
“What a fantastic privilege I’ve had,” Evans says. “It’s an incredibly interesting job – you’re at the centre of all these massive global events. It’s never boring because there’s always another challenge around the corner. It’s been a great ride.”