Bendigo and Adelaide Bank reshuffles execs

The changes come after strides in the bank’s transformation program, with a renewed focus on leveraging a strong demand for its products and services.

Richard Fennell, CEO and managing director, highlighted that these changes are aimed at supporting the bank’s growth agenda while maintaining its status as Australia’s most trusted financial institution.

“We have entered the financial year with momentum and growth on our side. This has been made possible by the strong foundations we have created by simplifying, modernising, and digitising the bank,” Fennell said.

“The time is right to accelerate the next phase of our development by continuing to invest in the areas that will help us deliver sustainable growth such as our digital bank Up, the Bendigo Lending Platform, and the Business and Agri transformation.

“After carefully considering the capabilities we need to deliver against our objectives and to continue meeting the evolving needs of our customers, I am pleased to announce the following changes and additions to the executive team.”

Taso Corolis has been appointed chief customer officer, consumer banking. In this role,
Corolis will focus on driving portfolio growth and enhancing productivity for the benefit of customers.

Corolis, who has been with Rural Bank since 2008, previously served as the bank’s chief risk officer and has been a strong advocate for customers during crises, including natural disasters and the pandemic.

Sarah Bateson has been named chief marketing officer and will head a newly formed brand, marketing, and communications division.

Based in Bendigo, Bateson brings extensive experience from leading marketing and customer teams both in Australia and internationally. Her role will involve uniting communication and marketing resources to strengthen national awareness of the Bendigo Bank brand.

Xavier Shay has been appointed chief digital officer in addition to his role as CEO of Up.

Shay will oversee the integration of the bank’s digital capabilities and drive the expansion of digital offerings across the Bendigo and Up brands. His background includes leading digital teams at Up and directing payments engineering and analytics at Square.

The changes are effective immediately, except for Corolis, who will assume his new role on 7 October upon returning from leave.

Fennell congratulated the new appointees, emphasising the importance of renewal to meet the bank’s mission of contributing to the prosperity of its customers and community.

“Over the last five years, the bank has made significant progress in reducing complexity, investing in capability, and telling our story,” Fennell said.

“Our future will rely on our ability to accelerate our digital capability and deliver improved experiences to acquire, retain, and deepen relationships with our customers.”

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Adrian Suljanovic is a journalist at Broker Daily with more than two years experience reporting on all facets of the third party distribution channel.

Adrian has written for a range of business and finance titles including IFA, Investor Daily and Lawyer’s Weekly before joining the mortgages team in 2022.

He graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2021 gaining a Bachelor of Communication & Media with a major in Digital & Social Media.

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