Former HBF group general manager Rob Bransby has been formally appointed to the position of chief executive officer at the organisation, following the retirement of former managing director Mike Gurry in late 2006. Mr Bransby assumed the position of CEO elect in August 2006, to facilitate an extended hand-over period. He is an experienced strategic planner, with nearly two decades’ experience working with the National Australia Bank and its subsidiaries based in Western Australia and New South Wales. Since joining HBF in October 2005, Mr Bransby has been responsible for implementing the organisation’s diversification into financial services. Before this, Mr Bransby was chief executive officer of NAB’s subsidiary Medfin Australia Pty Ltd. Mr Bransby has held numerous positions with NAB, including head of personal financial services, WA and regional business manager, Fremantle, as well as various branch manager positions.