Schwartz set for top role at Investec Bank

Australian Banking & Finance, August 31, 2004

INVESTEC BANK HAS APPOINTED Brian Schwartz, AM (presently the CEO of Ernst & Young), as its chief executive.

Schwartz, who has gained extensive experience advising large multinationals and Australian corporates as well as entrepreneurial growth companies, will join Investec early in 2005.

David Gonski will continue as the Australian group chairman with Geoff Levy becoming chairman of Investec Bank (Australia) from January, 2005 (as well as heading Investec's Corporate Advisory operations).

Gonski welcomed the appointment of Brian Schwartz as bringing additional, expertise to Investec's future growth and development.

"We are delighted that Brian has agreed to join us. His skills and experience will be very valuable to us going forward," he said.

Schwartz, who has spent more than 25 years with Ernst & Young, has occupied numerous leadership positions in Australia and with Ernst & Young globally.

As CEO since 1998, he has been responsible for the strategic and operational direction of Ernst & Young and spearheaded the firm's growth, creating a "people first" culture and commitment to professional and personal development.