Macquarie Group has appointed Greg Ward to become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of Shemara Wikramanayake, subject to receiving the necessary approvals.
Wikramanayake will retire as CEO and step down from the boards of Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited on November 6, 2026. Ward will join both boards and assume the leadership role effective November 7, 2026.
The transition will conclude Wikramanayake’s eight-year tenure as CEO and nearly four decades with Macquarie. During her time leading the company, Macquarie expanded into new markets, navigated the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased the global recognition of its brand and businesses.
Macquarie Chair Glenn Stevens said Wikramanayake will leave the company with strong performance across its diversified operations and an experienced senior leadership team.
Ward currently serves as Head of Macquarie’s Banking and Financial Services division, which includes personal banking, business banking and wealth management operations in Australia.
He joined Macquarie in 1996, the same year the company became publicly listed. Ward later spent 14 years as Global Chief Financial Officer before being appointed Deputy Managing Director of Macquarie Group.
In 2013, he became Head of Banking and Financial Services and led the repositioning and expansion of the division. Under his leadership, the business developed into a larger competitor in Australian personal banking, business banking and wealth management.
Macquarie said Ward brings extensive experience in global financial services, technology and business leadership. His appointment represents an internal succession intended to preserve continuity while supporting the company’s next phase of growth.
Wikramanayake and Ward have worked together for approximately 30 years. Wikramanayake said Ward’s experience, leadership and integrity make him well suited to build on Macquarie’s six-decade history.
Ward said Macquarie’s businesses are performing strongly and that he plans to work with the board, management and employees to continue the company’s momentum.
The leadership change remains subject to applicable regulatory and other required approvals.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
“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.”
Glenn Stevens, Chair of Macquarie Group
“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.”
“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.”
Shemara Wikramanayake, Managing Director and CEO of Macquarie Group
“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.”
Greg Ward, Incoming Managing Director and CEO of Macquarie Group
