The new strategy chief at ANZ will report to the bank's chief executive for Asia Pacific, the bank said in a media release on Friday, reinforcing one theme about the bank's strategic direction.The new head of strategy will be Joyce Phillips, a US citizen. Phillips most recently worked as president and chief executive of American Life Insurance, a subsidiary of the now nationalised American International Group.Phillips' background though is largely in banking. According to a CV published by AIG and ANZ she worked first at Western Union, then GE Capital and then, from 1999, at Citigroup.At Citi Phillips worked mainly in Japan and mainly in consumer finance, including running the Diners Club operation in that market, and to that extent her experience is in north Asia.The head of strategy for ANZ's Asian division, Nancy Wong, also has a north Asian flavour in her work experience.At ANZ Phillips will hold the title group managing director strategy, M&A, marketing and innovation.She will serve on the management committee of the bank and report to Alex Thursby, the bank's CEO Asia Pacific, Europe and America.