Shemara Wikramanayake to retire in November 2026, Greg Ward to become Managing Director and CEO of Macquarie Group 

Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY) Chair, Glenn Stevens, today announced Shemara Wikramanayake’s upcoming retirement from her role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie Group and the Board’s decision to appoint Greg Ward, currently Head of Banking and Financial Services, as her successor subject to the receipt of necessary approvals.

Ms Wikramanayake will retire and step down from the Boards of Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited effective 6 November 2026. Mr Ward will be appointed to the Boards of Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited effective 7 November 2026.

Mr Stevens said: “The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to Shemara, who leaves Macquarie in a strong position, with sustained growth across each of our diverse businesses and a highly capable senior team. Over her last eight years as CEO, and for almost four decades with the company, Shemara has steered Macquarie through expansion into new markets, the dislocation of the COVID pandemic, and significantly enhanced recognition of our brand and the value we bring to global clients and communities.”

“In considering the transition from Shemara’s ground-breaking tenure, the Board is pleased to have an experienced candidate of Greg’s calibre to lead Macquarie through its next phase of growth and looks forward to working with him as he brings his global experience and proven ability as a business and technology leader to build on this momentum in the years ahead,” said Mr Stevens.

Ms Wikramanayake said: “The great privilege of this role lies in empowering Macquarie’s talented team to perpetuate our unique culture of identifying opportunities and taking accountability for delivering on them to drive sustainable, positive outcomes for our stakeholders. Looking forward, I take confidence in the strength of the team, and particularly in Greg’s ability to build on the legacy of our six decades of history. We have worked together for 30 years, and his track record, leadership and integrity make him an excellent candidate to be Macquarie’s next CEO.”

Mr Ward said: “I’m honoured to be asked by the Board to succeed Shemara as Macquarie CEO. Shemara leaves Macquarie incredibly well positioned, with each of our businesses performing strongly. I look forward to working with the Board, management and our entire Macquarie team to build on Shemara’s legacy for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.”

Mr Ward joined Macquarie in 1996, the year the organisation became publicly listed, serving as Global Chief Financial Officer for 14 years before being appointed Deputy Managing Director of Macquarie Group. In 2013, he became Head of Banking and Financial Services and led the repositioning of the business, which has grown to become a significant source of innovation and competition in Australian personal banking, business banking and wealth management.