Revealed: The tragic text message that forced former state premier Mike Baird to cancel an Indonesian surf trip and drop out of the running to become NAB chief
- A mates surfing trip was cut short when Mike Baird learned his wife was in ICU
- His decision to stand down to focus on his family was revealed on Thursday
- Baird’s withdrawal has left onlookers discussing who will be the next NAB CEO
The tragic text message that put Mike Baird’s long awaited Indonesian surf trip on hold and drew him to forfeit the chase as National Australia Bank ‘s CEO has finally been revealed.
As Baird arrived in Jakarta airport, almost three weeks ago, he received a devastating text that his wife Kerryn was in intensive care at the Northern Beaches Hospital.
The message said she was in a serious condition and emergency surgery had been scheduled, according to The Australian.
As Mike Baird (right) arrived in Jakarta airport, almost three weeks ago, he received a devastating text that his wife, Kerryn (left), was in the intensive care unit of the Northern Beaches hospital
News of his wife’s poor health led the hot shot banking executive to call his bosses and relinquish running for the position as NAB’s next chief executive officer.
The former NSW Premier had traveled to Sumatra with his high school best friend when he received the text.
Mr Baird’s withdrawal to concentrate his focus on his family’s well being was confirmed by the bank on Thursday.
The personal decision comes amid heated discussions of who will take over as the permanent CEO of the Melbourne-based big four bank after Andrew Thornburn resigned from the position in February.
Reports have speculated that although Mr Baird (left) was a candidate, that it is likely an external applicant will be selected for the role
Other potential candidates include NAB executives Anthony Healy and Angela Mentis, Medibank chief Craig Drummond, and former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Ross McEwan.
Kerryn has since made a full recovery.
Baird began working at NAB in 1989, before entering NSW politics in 2007.
He resigned as NSW Premier in 2017 to spend more time with his family and has been working as chief customer officer on a seven-figure salary at NAB since.