Movers & Shakers

CBA appoints new GM of third-party banking

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced the appointment of Baber Zaka as the major’s new general manager of third-party banking.

Zaka will step into the new role from 3 March 2025.

He takes the reins of current third-party banking general manager, Razia Khan, who will become general manager of CBA’s premier banking division.

The incoming third-party banking GM has worked at CBA for the past decade, most recently as chief operating officer, third-party banking. He’s also been executive manager to third-party banking, distribution strategy, and partnerships management at the bank.

CBA’s executive general manager, home buying, Dr Michael Baumann, commented on the appointment, noting Zaka’s extensive experience with the major.

“Baber not only brings a lot of technical and industry knowledge to this role, but his commitment to helping broker businesses to thrive is unquestionable,” Baumann said.

Beyond Bank appoints new CEO

Beyond Bank has announced the appointment of David Marshall as CEO.

Marshall, currently the CEO of banking technology provider Ultradata, will commence his new role at the customer-owned lender from 26 March 2025.

He replaces interim CEO Wayne Matters, who stepped into the role following the departure of Jake Bromwich in October 2024.

The incoming CEO boasts more than 35 years’ experience in Australia’s banking sector, having previously served as CEO at Defence Bank and Hume Bank. He also held senior executive positions at majors Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and Westpac.

Sam Andersen, chair of Beyond Bank, said: “David’s deep understanding of customer-owned banking and his extensive experience in the fast-paced world of technology made him a natural choice to lead our bank as we continue to expand our commitment to deliver meaningful financial wellbeing to families and communities across Australia.”

ANZ adds new senior leader to broker team

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has confirmed the appointment of Ben Magnus to the role of national partnerships manager, retail broker.

Magnus started in the role last year, reporting to ANZ’s general manager for retail broker, Natalie Smith.

He replaces the bank’s former national partnerships manager, Paul Brick, who became the new head of broker partnerships at Suncorp Bank in October 2024.

Magnus boasts more than 15 years’ experience in finance, most recently as head of mortgage broking at Victorian brokerage and financial services group, Empower Wealth.

Smith said his diverse experience would be an asset.

“He will be a valuable addition to the retail broker leadership team and will work closely with the wider ANZ community as we deliver on our strategic priorities into 2025 and beyond,” she said.

“His strong leadership skills will complement our business and foster the growth of our valued aggregator relationships.”

Westpac welcomes new head of broker

Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) has confirmed the appointment of Sarah Willsallen as new head of broker distribution.

Willsallen will start in the role on 11 February 2025, having most recently served as the major’s state general manager, mortgage broker distribution in NSW/ACT.

She replaces previous head of broker distribution, Warren Shaw, who is moving into a new role as Westpac’s national general manager, home lending distribution. Willsallen has worked at Westpac for the past nine years and had been leading the major’s broker distribution in NSW/ACT since April 2017.

Westpac’s managing director, mortgages, Damien MacRae, said the appointment recognised her experience and knowledge of the third-party channel.

“She has also played a significant role advocating for female representation in broking and financial services, as recognised in 2023 with her winning of the Westpac Carla Zampatti Woman of Influence Award,” MacRae said.