Changes at The Co-operative Bank at executive and board levels bring forward new faces.

Westpac’s takeover of St George Bank heralds the arrival of three St. George staffers to the Westpac board, including the St. George chairman and two directors.

St George Bank chairman John Curtis joins Westpac as its new deputy chairman, and St George directors Peter Hawkins and Graeme Reaney will become Westpac directors from December 1.

The appointments are subject to shareholder approvals, including approval of the merger next Thursday November 13.

Fonterra’s China problems, high commodity prices and a poor annual result have given the upcoming board elections a new bite, as four candidates were confirmed for three seats.

The seats are held by long-term incumbents Greg Gent, Earl Rattray and Jim van der Poel.

The fourth candidate is former Shareholders’ Council chairman John Monaghan, who held the role for three years.

All three incumbents are standing for re-election, but should face some stiff opposition from Mr Monaghan who remains a popular figure from his Shareholders’ Council days.