ANZ shares backtrack despite the bank bolstering its board

ANZ has appointed a new member to its board.

| More on:
A corporate team stands together and looks out the window.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • ANZ shares edge 0.63% lower to $25.34
  • The company announced the inclusion of experienced global exec Jeff Smith as its newest board member
  • Mr Smith will take up the role of non-executive director from 1 August 2022, subject to meeting regulatory requirements

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is heading south today.

At the time of writing, the bank's shares are 0.63% lower to $25.34.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) sector is also slightly in reverse, down 0.68% to 6,506.2 points.

A mixed session on Wall Street on Friday night has led the broader ASX market to trade sideways.

ANZ appoints new board member

The ANZ share price is hovering in negative territory despite the company's latest announcement to bolster its board.

In its release, ANZ advised that it has appointed experienced global business and technology executive Jeff Smith to its board.

Mr Smith will take up the role of non-executive director from 1 August 2022, subject to meeting regulatory requirements.

ANZ highlighted Mr Smith's wealth of experience in which he served as chief information officer at several organisations. This includes IBM (NYSE: IBM), Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), and Telstra Corp Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Over the last five years, Mr Smith has been chief operating officer of Florida-based World Fuel Services. As such, he will be stepping down from that position at the end of the calendar year.

Mr Smith's other appointments include being a non-executive director of cloud security company Sonrai Security Inc. He is also an advisor to the boards of Zoom Video Communications Inc and Box Inc.

Notably, Mr Smith was previously a member of ANZ's International Technology and Digital Business Advisory Panel until 2019.

ANZ chair Paul O'Sullivan touched on the new appointment:

Jeff's vast experience with technology and executive management will complement the Board and I am confident he will provide valuable service to both the organisation and to ANZ's shareholders as we continue through a period of significant transformation.

Moving forward, Mr Smith will split his time between Australia and the United States.

He will stand for election as a director at ANZ's annual general meeting on 15 December 2022.

ANZ share price review

Throughout the year, the ANZ share price has continued to move in circles, reflecting a 7.9% loss for the period.

More recently, investor fears regarding a global economic slowdown have hit the company's shares hard. In the past month, ANZ shares are down 8.8%.

The company commands a market capitalisation of around $71.24 billion, making it the sixth largest company on the ASX.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

Bank building in a financial district.
Bank Shares

Is the ANZ share price a buy today?

How should investors expect the bank to perform in 2026?

Read more »

Half a man's face from the nose up peers over a table.
Bank Shares

Why is everyone talking about the Westpac share price this week?

All eyes are on the banking stock this week.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Bank Shares

CBA vs. Westpac: Which is the better ASX bank stock for 2026?

If I had to choose just one Australian bank to own in 2026, this is where I’d lean.

Read more »

A worried woman sits at her computer with her hands clutched at the bottom of her face.
Bank Shares

CBA shares could crash below $100 in 2026: Here's why

Here's why the banking giant's share could tumble this year.

Read more »

Bank building with the word bank in gold.
Bank Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Bendigo Bank shares

Can investors bank on earnings growth for this company?

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Bank Shares

How much passive income could I earn from Westpac shares

Is the bank a good option for income investors? Let's find out.

Read more »

A large clear wine glass on the left of the image filled with fifty dollar notes on a timber table with a wine cellar or cabinet with bottles in the background.
Dividend Investing

Which of the big 4 ASX 200 bank stocks paid the most passive income in 2025?

Just how much passive income did the ASX 200 banks like CBA pay in 2025?

Read more »

A group of people sit around a table playing cards in a work office style setting.
Bank Shares

Will 2026 be make-or-break for the Westpac share price?

Westpac’s turnaround has been real. Whether it can now justify its valuation is the key question for 2026.

Read more »