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The bank has announced the departure of its broker head Kathy Cummings, welcoming Johnny Lockwood to a “newly created” role.
BOQ Group has welcomed Johnny Lockwood into the newly created role of general manager broker, credit cards & loyalty, as part of a change to the structure of its retail distribution team to pursue its multi-brand strategy.
Mr Lockwood will lead the bank’s multi-brand third-party retail distribution channel, “bringing his extensive experience in leading broker channels”, a BOQ spokesperson said.
Mr Lockwood has previously worked with Virgin Money Australia for the past 11 years, which BOQ owns, leading the retail banking business lines and third-party home loan distribution.
The announcement comes following the departure of longstanding general manager BOQ broker, Kathy Cummings, who has moved on from the group.
“We thank Kathy for her contribution and wish her great success. She has been a respected and valued member of the BOQ Group team,” BOQ said.
Under Ms Cummings, who was appointed in 2019 and had previously headed up broker channel at CBA, BOQ had grown its broker partnerships and distribution.
It partnered with Nextgen and Simpology to introduce two new digital offerings to its platform, designed to simplify and facilitate a more efficient experience for brokers.
Ms Cummings also led the arrival of electronic lodgements, facilitating end-to-end processing of loan applications to facilitate a more efficient experience for brokers.
Ms Cummings was “strongly committed” to the broker network and worked to improve the broker experience, with 60 per cent of the lender’s home loans originating through its broker network.
BOQ extends support to help solve homelessness crisis
Meanwhile, the group has announced a new community partnership with not-for-profit Head Start Homes (HSH), in a bid to help more Queenslanders into home ownership.
HSH provides access to practical financial products and free financial literacy empowerment services that support renters achieve their home ownership dreams.
Each household can access up to 60 hours of Empowerment Services, including budgeting tools and resources as well as a dedicated support person for one-to-one assistance throughout their entire home ownership journey.
BOQ’s chief risk officer David Watts said home ownership was more than financial security, “it’s also the stability, security, and sense of belonging that comes with it.”
“We are looking forward to building on this partnership into the future,” Mr Watts said.
[Related: BOQ integrate e-lodgement application tracking services]
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