Macquarie Group has announced that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shemara Wikramanayake, will retire in November 2026 after leading the Australian financial services giant for eight years and serving the organisation for nearly four decades. The Board has appointed Greg Ward, the company’s Head of Banking and Financial Services, as her successor, subject to the required regulatory approvals.

The announcement marks the end of a landmark leadership era for Wikramanayake, who became Macquarie’s first female Chief Executive in 2018. During her tenure, she guided the organisation through significant global challenges, including the COVID pandemic, while expanding its international footprint, strengthening its diversified business portfolio and enhancing its reputation across global financial markets. Macquarie Chairman Glenn Stevens praised her leadership, highlighting her role in driving sustained growth and building a strong senior management team for the future. (macquarie.com⁠)

Ward, a Macquarie veteran of three decades, joined the group in 1996 and previously served as Chief Financial Officer before leading its Banking and Financial Services division. His appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in maintaining strategic continuity while positioning the organisation for its next phase of growth. Ward said he was honoured to succeed Wikramanayake and looked forward to building on the company’s strong foundations. (macquarie.com⁠)

The leadership transition comes as Macquarie continues to navigate evolving regulatory expectations and changing global market conditions. Investors and analysts have broadly welcomed the appointment, viewing Ward as an experienced and steady leader capable of sustaining the institution’s long term growth strategy while addressing future opportunities and challenges.