Mutual lender CEO to step down

Credit Union Australia (CUA) has announced that chief executive officer Rob Goudswaard will step down from his role this year, after electing not to extend his five-year contract in order to spend more time closer to his home base of Melbourne.

Mr Goudswaard, who joined the Brisbane-based credit union in February 2015, will continue as CEO while “an extensive search” is undertaken over the coming months for either an internal or external successor, according to CUA chairman Nigel Ampherlaw.

Mr Ampherlaw said further details about the transition to a new CEO, including the time frame for Mr Goudswaard's departure and the appointment of his successor, were yet to be finalised and would be communicated in the coming months.

He added that the lender remained “well positioned” with a “high-calibre executive team in place” who would continue to drive CUA’s vision and strategic transformation to deliver benefits for members.

Speaking of Mr Goudswaard’s decision not to extend his contract, Mr Ampherlaw said: “Since joining CUA in February 2015, Rob has led CUA through a transformative period of member growth, digital innovation and industry change, which has strengthened the mutual sector. 

“Rob will be leaving CUA in a much better place than when he joined us. He’s set us on a journey to not only become a stronger and more member-focused credit union, but for CUA to build on the trust that will enable us to continue to challenge other larger banks into the future.”

According to the CUA chairman, Mr Goudswaard was at the forefront of CUA’s “cultural transformation” initiative and “spearheaded” CUA’s focus on digital banking.

Mr Ampherlaw also noted that the outgoing CEO had participated in industry-wide government and stakeholder advocacy around the Hammond Review, which resulted in legislation being passed to deliver new capital raising options to increase the agility and competitiveness of mutual lenders.

The CUA chairman continued: “The board appreciates that after nearly five years in Brisbane, and close to a decade living in multiple cities, Rob is looking to pursue new opportunities that will allow him to spend more time closer to his home base of Melbourne.

“I’d like to personally acknowledge and thank Rob for his commitment to CUA and for his support of the board. His drive and passion for providing the best possible member experience, and his ambition to position CUA for the future, are unrivalled."

[Related: APRA curbs cost major credit union mortgage customers]