Macquarie, Australian multinational investment bank and financial services company, has named Greg Ward as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He will take over from Shemara Wikramanayake, who is set to retire in November after nearly four decades with the company.
According to the Macquarie official website, Ward's appointment is subject to regulatory approvals. Wikramanayake will retire and step down from the boards of Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited on 6 November 2026. Ward will join both boards and assume the role of Managing Director and CEO from 7 November 2026.
Glenn Stevens, Chair, Macquarie Group 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.”
He added, “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."
Stevens also noted, "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.
“We look 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," he said.
Wikramanayake backs long-time colleague
Wikramanayake said leading Macquarie had been a privilege. She credited the company's culture and people for its long-term success. She also expressed confidence in Ward, whom she has worked alongside for three decades.
"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.”
She further commented, “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."
"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,” she concluded.
Ward brings three decades of Macquarie experience
Ward joined Macquarie in 1996, the year the company was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. He served as Global Chief Financial Officer for 14 years before becoming Deputy Managing Director.
Since 2013, he has led the Banking and Financial Services division. Under his leadership, the business has been repositioned and has grown into a major competitor in Australian personal banking, business banking and wealth management.
His appointment marks the next step in Macquarie's long-term succession plan as the group looks to build on its recent growth under Wikramanayake's leadership.