Tom Zhang
At just 25, Tom Zhang is one of the youngest National Australia Bank branch managers in Australia and well on the way to reaching his ultimate goal of leading the bank’s business operations in Asia.
That might sound like a pretty lofty aspiration, but Tom has always been good at setting tough personal targets – and achieving them.
He arrived in Adelaide in 2000 from the Chinese city of Zhuhai, to finish Years 11 and 12 (and gain an impressive Tertiary Entrance Ranking of 88) at the prestigious St Peter’s College. Then it was on to The University of Adelaide, where he first studied a Bachelor of Commerce before going on to complete a Masters in Accounting.
“My parents always wanted me to go overseas for a better education,” Tom says of his decision to study in South Australia. “A family friend suggested that Adelaide had some of the finest universities in the country, plus the Chinese community wasn’t as large as in Melbourne and Sydney, so it was a better option for my English improvement.”
After seven years of study (and part-time jobs working in everything from a Chinese restaurant and a 24/7 convenience store to a petrol station and the ANZ bank) the decision to stay on and forge a career in Adelaide was easy.
“South Australia has great potential and offers lots of opportunities,” he says. “The State Government is trying very hard to attract investment from both interstate and overseas, and this will gradually change the business landscape in SA as more and more industries require qualified people with the ability to deal with foreign investors. That’s where I see myself coming into play.”
After building strong networks within the ANZ bank during his final years of study, a full-time role with the company was a natural progression.
In early 2009, Tom won the role of Branch Manager with the National Australia Bank, and now manages the busy NAB Markets Branch on Gouger Street in central Adelaide.
“My main responsibility is to grow the branch business in different product channels by helping customers to fulfill their needs in everyday banking including home loans, insurance, personal accounts, business accounts and other relevant banking services.
“I’m aiming to earn recognition for my work in the current position and eventually take on an executive position with the organisation – my goal is to go back to China to develop the business for NAB in Asia.”
But for now, the job opportunities, the people and the perfect environment will keep Tom in Adelaide.
“I love sports, so the amazing air out here has given me lots of pleasure. Another of my favourite things about Adelaide is its people. I’ve known some people for many years now – they’ve supported me and given me joy.”
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