ANZ’s head of international and institutional banking Alex Thursby has quit his post to take on the top job at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Mr Thursby will leave ANZ later this month before taking over as chief executive at the Middle Eastern bank on July 1.

ANZ chief executive Mike Smith said Mr Thursby had played a leading role in implementing the bank’s regional strategy and that his next role was a natural next step in his career.

“Alex’s leadership and passion will be missed by all of us at ANZ,” Mr Smith said.

ANZ chief executive of Asia Pacific Gilles Plante and managing director of global markets Steve Bellotti will manage Mr Thursby’s responsibilities from May 1 while the bank looked for a replacement.