State Heritage Convention

Tony Howarth
Chief Executive Officer, Challenge Bank
Member of the Prime Ministers Community Business Partnership

Tony Howarth, has over 30 years experience in the banking and finance industry. Uniquely, he held senior executive positions in State, Regional and Major Banks as well as the Building Society industry. He has also had international banking experience in London, Hamburg and New York.

Tony moved to Perth in 1991 to join Challenge Bank Limited. In April 1992 he became Managing Director of that Bank. During his time as Managing Director he lead a substantial turnaround in both growth and profitability for Challenge creating significant value for Challenge shareholders.

In November 1995 Challenge shareholders accepted a recommendation to merge Challenge with Westpac Banking Corporation. Tony was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the merged bank.

In November 1996 the integration between Challenge and Westpac was effected. This involved a substantial rationalisation of branches, major systems changes, reduction in staff numbers and the sale of Challenge's Victorian business to the Bank of Melbourne. In Western Australia the combined branch network has been re-branded Challenge Bank, a Division of Westpac Banking Corporation.

Tony is also Chairman of AlintaGas Limited. He was appointed to the AlintaGas board in July 1998 and led the board through the successful privatisation of the Gas Utility. AlintaGas Limited was successfully floated in November 2000 and is now one of Australia's Top 200 publicly listed companies.

In addition, Tony is a member of the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership. This board, which involves eleven corporate and community leaders from across Australia, provides assistance and advice to the Prime Minister on how to develop closer links between corporate and community groups.

Tony holds a number of positions in industry and community activities. He is married with two children and lives in Perth.