ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt to step down; Sinead Taylor appointed as successor

ASB has today announced Vittoria Shortt is stepping down as CEO and Managing Director after almost nine years. She will finish up with ASB on 11 December this year.

Sinead Taylor has been appointed as Vittoria’s successor. Ms Taylor is currently Group Executive Institutional Banking and Markets at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and brings extensive banking, operational and commercial experience to the role.

ASB Chair Dame Therese Walsh paid tribute to Vittoria for the significant impact she has had on ASB.

“I’d like to acknowledge Vittoria’s incredible work and dedication as CEO, and before that as a member of the ASB Board.“

As CEO, Vittoria has led ASB through a period of significant change and challenge for all Kiwi, and for the banking industry; from Covid-19 to a global explosion in fraud and scams, the rapid rise of AI, a market study and Select Committee inquiry.

“Against this backdrop, ASB has continued to adapt, perform strongly and lay solid foundations for the future. Under Vittoria’s direction, ASB has continued to focus relentlessly on our customers and our purpose to accelerate progress for all New Zealanders.”

Reflecting on her time at ASB, Ms Shortt says she feels incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity.

“When I look back at what we’ve achieved, I’m most proud of how deeply our purpose has become part of ASBers’ work every day to help improve customers’ financial wellbeing, support our communities and back the New Zealand economy.”

Vittoria initially plans to take a break before deciding what’s next. “I’m looking forward to some travel, starting with a roadie around New Zealand, and spending more time with my family. I want to take some time to consider my next move professionally.”

Sinead Taylor

Prior to her current Group Executive role, Sinead Taylor has held Executive positions within the Commonwealth Bank group including Group Executive, Chief Operations Officer and Executive General Manager of Bankwest, as well as roles in global markets, strategy, marketing, business and corporate banking. Before banking, she held senior strategy and marketing roles in professional services.

Sinead was born in Glasgow, Scotland and lived for a number of years in New Zealand after moving to Rotorua at the age of nine.

Dame Therese says Sinead will build on ASB’s strong foundations and take the bank into its next chapter.

“Sinead has broad experience and an impressive track record and reputation for creating impact, executing ambitious strategies and leading with purpose. She has led large teams, implemented complex transformation at scale, strengthened risk management and delivered better outcomes for customers. That combination of customer focus, operational discipline and execution makes her well placed to lead ASB through its next phase.”

Sinead’s appointment has received non-objection from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. She will take over as CEO and Managing Director on 12 December 2026.