National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) has announced NAB Executive Leadership Team Changes, confirming Group Executive Shaun Dooley’s planned retirement by the end of 2026 and the imminent start of incoming Group CFO Inder Singh on 2 March 2026. The announcement outlines an orderly succession plan that allows for knowledge transfer and continuity across critical financial and risk oversight functions.
The dual announcement comprises:
- Shaun Dooley’s confirmation of retirement by end of 2026, concluding a 33-year career with NAB
- Inder Singh’s start date of 2 March 2026 as Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Executive Strategy
Shaun Dooley’s three-decade NAB career
Shaun Dooley has served NAB for 33 years, holding the position of Group Chief Risk Officer since 2018. He assumed the role of acting Group Chief Financial Officer in March 2025, a temporary position that will conclude upon Singh’s arrival on 2 March. Following Singh’s commencement, Dooley will revert to his substantive role as Group Chief Risk Officer until his planned retirement by the end of 2026.
What is an executive leadership transition?
An executive leadership transition refers to the planned handover of senior management responsibilities within an organisation. For large financial institutions, orderly succession planning with extended timelines allows incoming executives to absorb institutional knowledge whilst maintaining operational stability. Announced transitions with substantial runway periods, such as NAB’s 10-month window between Singh’s appointment and Dooley’s retirement, differ materially from sudden departures by providing stakeholders with visibility and reducing execution risk during the handover phase.
Well-managed transitions reduce operational risk and maintain stakeholder confidence, particularly for roles overseeing financial reporting and risk management frameworks.
Inder Singh’s appointment confirmed for March start
Inder Singh’s appointment, initially announced in August 2025, will see him assume dual responsibilities as Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Executive Strategy from 2 March 2026. The appointment forms part of NAB’s broader leadership refresh under Group CEO Andrew Irvine.
Andrew Irvine, Group CEO
“We look forward to Inder starting as Group CFO. He is a high calibre executive who joins our bank at an exciting time for NAB.”
Recruitment process for Chief Risk Officer underway
NAB will conduct a recruitment process for the Group Chief Risk Officer position ahead of Dooley’s departure by the end of 2026. The timeline provides approximately 10 months to identify and onboard a successor, reducing the risk of any gap in critical risk oversight functions during the transition period.
Looking ahead
The transition timeline sees Singh commence on 2 March, at which point Dooley returns to his substantive CRO role before retirement by end of 2026. The planned succession forms part of NAB’s ongoing senior team evolution focused on customer outcomes and business growth.
Andrew Irvine, Group CEO
“Shaun’s decision allows us to plan for a smooth transition as we continue to evolve our senior executive team to drive greater customer focus and business growth.”
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