NAB Promotes Executive to Lead Digital, Data, and Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
The National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced the appointment of Pete Steel as its new Group Executive for Digital, Data, and Artificial Intelligence. Steel will join the bank on January 5, 2026, subject to regulatory approval, reporting directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Irvine.
The appointment comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance NAB's digital infrastructure and ethical AI deployment. Steel's responsibilities in this newly created role include leading NAB’s digital, data, and artificial intelligence teams and initiatives to deliver improved customer experiences.
Prior to joining NAB, Steel held the position of Managing Director, Customer Engagement, at Lloyds Banking Group in the UK. His extensive experience includes managing customer engagement and digital channels, as well as serving as Group Chief Digital Officer at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He also founded the fintech firm Expertli and has advised on digital transformation at Boston Consulting Group.
In his new role, Steel will oversee the development of digital capabilities such as customer onboarding and data platforms. He will also manage NAB’s digital-only banking subsidiary, ubank, and drive AI development, ensuring ethical and regulatory standards are met in technological adoption. The aim is to accelerate the bank’s progress in digital transformation and customer-centricity.
Andrew Irvine, Group Chief Executive Officer of NAB, stated that digital, data, and AI are critical for NAB's customer-centric strategy. He believes it is the right time to have an executive solely focused on accelerating progress in these areas. The NAB AI leadership appointment reinforces the importance of AI leadership in the banking sector.
Pete Steel's deep experience in using digital and technology solutions for customers and driving commercial outcomes will be beneficial for NAB. His role will also involve delivering better experiences for NAB's customers.
Following these changes, Group Chief Operating Officer Les Matheson will continue to have responsibility for several of NAB's key strategic priorities, including Business-led Technology Modernisation, Payments, Customer Experience, Group Marketing, and Enterprise Simplification.
The appointment of Pete Steel highlights NAB's growing focus on technology-led transformation. Steel's division at Lloyds Banking Group includes approximately 16,000 people responsible for consumer sales and service, digital, artificial intelligence, personalisation, branches, call centres, and advisers.
With Steel's expertise and leadership, NAB is poised to further its digital transformation journey and provide enhanced customer experiences.
Pete Steel's new role at ffnews.com's The National Australia Bank (NAB) extends beyond customer onboarding and data platforms; he will also oversee the development of the bank's digital-only subsidiary, ubank, and drive AI development, focusing on ethical and regulatory standards.
Steel's division at Lloyds Banking Group encompassed approximately 16,000 people responsible for areas such as finance, business, and technology, providing valuable experience that will contribute to NAB's progress in finance, business, and technology transformation.
