Wesfarmers has appointed Mike Roche, the former chairman of mergers and acquisitions at Deutsche Bank, to its board, effective February 19.

Roche stepped down from Deutsche in 2016 after 22 years, 10 of which he spent as the head of M&A. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the finance sector, including the provision of strategic, financial, merger and acquisition and capital advice to major corporate, private equity and government clients.

Roche noted that he was delighted for the opportunity to be a part of the re-positioning of Wesfarmers.

“Mike has advised on a large number of major transactions in most sectors over his career and brings extensive and valuable experience to Wesfarmers, including as a leading innovator in capital markets,” Wesfarmers chairman Michael Chaney said.

“His appointment further strengthens the board’s mix of skills, knowledge and experience and continues the succession process following the recent retirements of James Graham and Paul Passat.”

Paul Passat recently retired as a non-executive director of Woolworths after having served on the board for six years, whereas James Graham retired with immediate effect, coincident with his appointment as chairman of now-demerged Coles.

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