The nation’s third-largest lender said today Baird will leave the role on April 15 and take a break before “considering new opportunities”.

Baird in 2017 agreed to join NAB as head of the corporate and institutional bank only six weeks after resigning as NSW premier.

He was initially rumoured to be among the candidates for the chief executive role when former boss Andrew Thorburn stepped down in February last year after copping scathing criticism during the banking royal commission.

Former Commonwealth Bank retail boss Ross McEwan was eventually tasked with rebuilding the bank’s battered reputation as its new managing director.

McEwan said he supported Baird’s decision to step down.

“I am pleased that he has been part of my leadership team but understand and accept the reasons for his decision to leave,” McEwan said in a release to the ASX.

Baird did not detail his future plans.

“I have an open mind about what I will do next and will use the time to determine where I believe I can make the best, most fulfilling contribution to business and the wider community,” Baird said.

Anthony Waldron, an executive general manager in Baird’s team, will act as chief customer officer of the consumer bank, subject to regulatory approvals, while NAB searches for a permanent replacement.

– AAP