Veteran Liberal senator Simon Birmingham has unveiled his new gig after revealing he will step down from federal politics.

In late November, the Coalition’s upper chamber leader announced he planned to quit politics at the 2025 federal election.

His surprise decision will bring to an end to almost two decades in politics.

In his valedictory speech, he said he would “step into a new commercially orientated direction” in 2025.

“You can be relieved to know it has nothing to do with lobbying, government relations, or commentary,” he said.

On Thursday, he revealed the position. He has been appointed as head of Asia Pacific engagement and South Australian chairman for banking giant ANZ.

“ANZ has long played a strong role in promoting trade and capital flows throughout the Asia Pacific, facilitating the growth of Australian companies overseas and investment flows into Australia,” Birmingham said.

“I look forward to working closely with ANZ’s customers and the bank’s leadership, both at home and across the Asia Pacific region.”

The opposition foreign affairs spokesman is expected to draw from his experience in this new position, chief executive Shayne Elliott said.

“Simon Birmingham has had a distinguished career,” he said.

“His significant experience and knowledge of trade, investment and the economies and governments of the Asia Pacific, will help ANZ and our customers to create opportunities across the region.”

Birmingham will begin in his new position in February 2025. He will be based in Adelaide.

Birmingham entered parliament in 2007 and served as trade, finance and education ministers in Coalition governments under Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison.

-AAP