Stephen Gorman assumed the role on 2 February and will report directly to retail executive Dennis Bice.
Mr Gorman is a 24-year NAB veteran who has spent the past two years heading up Bendigo Bank’s credit risk management area.
His responsibilities at NAB included driving the strategic direction of business banking businesses including property, agribusiness, health and corporate, as well as relationship management over many years.
Announcing Mr Gorman’s appointment, Mr Bice said the bank was committed to improving its business banking performance.
“The fact is we have ranked number one for business customer satisfaction for three years running and that’s a testament to our people and our strategy of investing in the communities we serve,” he said.
“That trust our customers have in us provides a great platform to show them more about how we can help them grow their businesses.
“We have terrific products that make life a lot easier for our customers – our mobile payments and employee superannuation solutions are right up there with the best.”
Mr Bice said Bendigo’s new miBanker platform delivers news and information 24/7 – straight to the customer’s mobile.
“Nobody else in Australian banking is doing that,” he said.
“If we can sharpen up our consumer proposition, there is no reason why Bendigo Bank shouldn’t outperform the system through 2015.”
Mr Gorman said his focus would be on customer engagement.
“We need to deepen existing customer relationships and increase the numbers of customers in the business banking channel,” he said.
“Central to that is showing our customers what we can do and how banking with Bendigo will improve outcomes for their business and their community.
“Do that well and business growth looks after itself.”