New Secretary of NSW Treasury appointed

NSW Premier Mike Baird and NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian today announced that Rob Whitfield has been appointed Secretary of the Treasury of NSW, following a distinguished 30–year career at Westpac.

Mr Baird said Mr Whitfield, who is currently the Chief Executive of Westpac's Institutional Bank and Chairman of Westpac's Asia Advisory Board, will be tasked with guiding NSW through a significant era of growth and investment.

"Rob’s level of strategic thinking and knowledge of financial, capital and treasury issues is unsurpassed and it will be fantastic to have him leading the Treasury team," Mr Baird said.

"NSW is privileged that an individual of his calibre, experience and knowledge has decided to serve the Government and people of this State.

"I believe his appointment should be a beacon to the best and brightest across corporate Australia – we want you to make a contribution to the community, and if you want to do so, NSW welcomes you," Mr Baird said.

Mr Whitfield has also led several of Westpac's largest and most complex transactions such as the acquisition and integration of St George Bank into the Westpac Group.

Ms Berejiklian said the new Secretary arrives at an exciting time as the NSW Government enters a significant era of investment that is creating jobs and driving growth across NSW.

"We look forward to Rob being key to supporting the NSW Government in growing the economy and entering a period of unprecedented investment in infrastructure and services," Ms Berejiklian said.

Mr Whitfield will replace outgoing Secretary of the Treasury Phil Gaetjens, who the NSW Government announced in April will stand down after four years in the role, to return to Canberra for family reasons.

Mr Baird commended Mr Gaetjens for his outstanding service to NSW.