Bank of America Merrill Lynch has appointed a new chief executive and country executive for Australia.

In an internal memo seen by WealthBriefingAsia, Asia-Pacific president Matthew Koder announced that Kevin Skelton is now the head of the Australia business, taking over from James Barrett-Lennard, who served as acting country executive. Barrett-Lennard continues as chief operating officer for Australia and will work closely with Skelton.

A veteran banker, Skelton brings over 25 years of experience working at the firm's New York, London, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney offices. He most recently served as head of Australia investment banking. In his new role, he also becomes a member of the Asia-Pacific executive committee.

BoA Merrill Lynch's offices in Australia are in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. In Asia-Pacific, it has a network of 23 offices in 12 countries and territories serving institutions, corporations, governments and high net worth individuals.