RNS Number:7991I
National Australia Bank Ld
17 March 2003


                                                         Group Corporate Affairs
                                                              National Australia
                                                                    Bank Limited
                                                                 ABN 12004044937

                                                               500 Bourke Street
Media Release                                                          Melbourne
                                                                  Victoria  3000
                                                                       Australia

Melbourne, Monday 17th March 2003

Leading British banker to lead National Australia Bank's European business


A leading British banker, Mr John Stewart, has been appointed Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer of National Australia Bank Europe and a Director of
the National Australia Bank's Principal Board.  The appointment will commence in
August 2003.



The Chairman of the National, Mr Charles Allen, said the Directors were
delighted that Mr Stewart had agreed to join the Board and lead the group's
banking business in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.



"John will bring valuable international banking experience and insights into
European banking to the group," Mr Allen said.



The Managing Director of the National, Mr Frank Cicutto, said Mr Stewart would
be an important member of the executive team.



"John will bring extensive knowledge and a successful track record of retail
banking in the United Kingdom," Mr Cicutto said. "He will strengthen our
management depth and will lead the further implementation of our retail banking
strategy in the United Kingdom."



Mr Stewart said: "The National has a big business in the UK with strong regional
brands in Yorkshire Bank, Clydesdale Bank, Northern Bank and National Irish
Bank.  These businesses represent a very exciting platform for growth.  I
believe there is a real opportunity to be innovative in this marketplace and to
develop further the National's franchise in the UK."



John Stewart, 53, was previously Deputy Chief Executive of Barclays Plc where he
headed the group's Personal Financial Services operation and Barclays Private
Clients.  Before that he was chief executive of Woolwich, the retail bank that
launched the ground breaking Open Plan banking offer.  Woolwich became part of
the Barclays Group in 2000.



For further information:


Brandon Phillips                                  Majella Allen
Group Corporate Affairs                           Group Corporate Affairs
T: 03 8641 3857                                   T: 03 8641 0936
M: 0419 369 058                                   M: 0410 440 305


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