The Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says its chief risk officer, Martin Philipsen, has been seconded to head up its response to last week's devastating Christchurch earthquake.
In a statement, BNZ said Philipsen would lead a group of managers that would provide "an integrated approach" to managing BNZ's response to the earthquake and to support recovery work.
"Chris Reid (Chief General Counsel) has stepped into the role of Acting Chief Risk Officer for a period of three months. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has been advised of these arrangements," the bank said.
Meanwhile, in a message to staff, Westpac group CEO Gail Kelly said that the bank was fortunate all its staff were physically safe after the earthquake but she was aware some had lost family members.
"My sincere condolences to those people," Kelly wrote.
"Also my sympathy to those members of staff who have suffered damage or loss of their home. The consequences of such devastation appear in so many different ways and through the many interconnections that we all have."
(Update adds Gail Kelly's comments).
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