COBA appoints new chief executive

Mark Degotardi has worked as acting chief executive and head of public affairs since joining COBA in 2013.

COBA chair Julianne Plath said Mr Degotardi brings significant experience, advocacy skills and a passion for customer-owned banking to the role of chief executive.

“Mark is a strong and successful advocate for the customer-owned banking sector, and has led COBA’s public advocacy on the Financial System Inquiry which has now delivered recommendations for a more consumer-focused and competitive regime,” she said.

“The board looks forward to working with Mark on delivering exciting plans to support our sector’s growth.”

Mr Degotardi said he was “delighted and honoured” to take on the role, and was looking forward to helping customer-owned institutions serve more Australians.

“At a time when many are questioning whether they can trust some of Australia’s largest institutions, the customer-owned banking sector is a natural choice,” he said.

“I and the COBA team are committed to helping our members bring competition back to the Australian banking sector and provide consumers with a clear and compelling choice for their banking needs.”