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Deborah O’Toole will commence her new role after the mutual bank’s AGM in November.
Great Southern Bank (GSB) has announced the election of a new chair, with current non-executive director O’Toole poised to take the role.
The former chief financial officer at companies such as freight operator Aurizon and miner MIM Holdings boasts a formidable résumé with more than 30 years’ experience in large organisations, including the chair position at Transurban and non-executive director roles at Sims Limited, Pacific National Rail, and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.
O’Toole will commence her chairmanship after GSB’s annual general meeting on 7 November and replaces retiring chair Nigel Ampherlaw, who has held the role since 2018.
Ampherlaw’s time at the customer-owned bank included overseeing its rebranding from Credit Union Australia Group (CUA) to Great Southern Bank.
O’Toole said she was honoured to be elected and paid tribute to Ampherlaw.
“The customer-owned banking tradition puts the needs of customers at the heart of everything it does. It’s a vibrant financial alternative that many Australians need now, more than ever,” O’Toole said.
“I am immensely grateful to Nigel Ampherlaw for his years of service as Chair and the legacy he is leaving. He has helped navigate Great Southern Bank through an unprecedented period of change, growth and challenge.
“During his tenure as Chairman, Great Southern Bank grew the Group’s assets by almost 40 per cent and, most importantly, we continued to be guided by our mutual values and founding principles of providing fair and affordable finance. He leaves us a stronger, more capable bank that’s focused on supporting our customers and the communities that we serve.”
Ampherlaw said O’Toole’s appointment would bring continuity, passion, and commitment.
“She has a deep knowledge of Great Southern Bank and of what makes us unique. She believes in the mission of customer-owned banking and, as a seasoned non-executive director with many years’ experience across numerous boards, has the skills and knowledge to help guide our bank through the next stages of its growth,” Ampherlaw said.
“On behalf of my fellow directors, I’d like to welcome Deb as our chair elect and wish her every success in her future role as chair.”
[Related: Great Southern Bank joins SFG lender panel]
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