Gail Kelly's journey from a humble childhood in South Africa to becoming a trailblazing Australian businesswoman is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and ability to break through gender barriers in the corporate world.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 25, 1956, Kelly embarked on a path that would eventually see her make history in the Australian banking sector. She initially pursued an arts degree at the University of Cape Town, majoring in history and Latin alongside a Diploma in Education.
Kelly’s life took a pivotal turn when she married Allan Kelly in December 1977, leading them to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where she taught Latin at Falcon College, while her husband served in the Rhodesian Army. Their journey soon brought them back to South Africa, where she continued her teaching career at a government high school.
However, Kelly’s true calling lay elsewhere, and in 1980, she began working as a teller at Nedcor Bank. Her remarkable dedication and aptitude for banking quickly propelled her into an accelerated training program. Even while pregnant with her first child, she pursued an MBA and graduated with distinction in 1987.
In an astonishing display of resilience, Kelly gave birth to triplets just five months before taking on the role of Head of Human Resources at Nedcor in 1990. Her relentless pursuit of excellence continued as she held various general manager positions within the bank, including roles in cards and personal banking.
By the mid-1990s, Kelly and her husband were seeking a new home due to their disillusionment with South Africa. In 1997, she embarked on a journey to Sydney, where she interviewed with major banks and was appointed to a senior position at the Commonwealth Bank.
Her career in Australia began as the General Manager of Strategic Marketing at the Commonwealth Bank in October 1997. Over the years, Kelly’s impressive performance led her to become the CEO of St. George Bank in 2002, where she significantly boosted the bank's profitability and its return on assets.
Despite media speculation about her returning to the Commonwealth Bank as CEO in 2005, She remained dedicated to St. George. Her commitment to gender diversity was evident when, in 2010, she announced a goal to have women occupy 40% of the top managerial positions at Westpac, where she became CEO in 2008.
Under her leadership, Westpac thrived, and Kelly solidified her reputation as a transformative figure in Australian banking. Her dedication to creating supportive and progressive workplaces for women was a hallmark of her career. In 2014, she announced her retirement as CEO, leaving behind a legacy of unprecedented success.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Kelly's remarkable story of balancing motherhood, leadership, and breaking down barriers for women is a true inspiration. In 2017, she shared her experiences in her book, Live, Lead Learn: My Stories of Life and Leadership," offering valuable insights into her journey as a high-profile businesswoman and a mother of four.
Kelly's story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women in the business world, proving that with determination and a supportive environment, women can shatter glass ceilings and reach the pinnacle of success. Her impact on Australian banking and her dedication to gender diversity continue to be celebrated and serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.