The bank says that after making significant progress on its transformation program, it is focused on tapping the “strong pipeline of demand that exists for its products and services”.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank CEO and Managing Director Richard Fennell said the changes would support the Bank’s growth agenda while ensuring it retained its position as Australia’s most trusted Bank.

“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,” Richard 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.”

The bank also announced that Taso Corolis has been appointed Chief Customer Officer, Consumer Banking with a focus on “continuing to drive portfoliogrowth and productivity enhancements for the benefit of our customers. Taso has fostered a deep connection with the customer since joining Rural Bank in 2008 and has been a strong advocate for our customers in times of difficulty, such as natural disasters and the pandemic. Taso has spent the last six years as the Bank’s Chief Risk Officer.”

Bendigo Bank notes that Sarah Bateson has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer to form a new Brand, Marketing and Communications Division. - and will be based in Bendigo and “brings with her considerable experience in leading Marketing and Customer teams in Australia and internationally.

“Her experience is highly valued as the Bank unites its communication and marketing resources for greater impact. She will be a strong voice for creative growth at the Bank, as she continues to build national awareness for the Bendigo Bank brand and its purpose.

“Xavier Shay has been appointed Chief Digital Officer in addition to his current role as CEO of Up. Xavier will bring together the Bank’s digital capabilities and will be responsible for driving greater penetration of our digital offerings across the Bendigo and Up brands.

“Xavier’s experience in leading high performing digital teams at Up and as Director of Payments Engineering and Analytics at Square will support the growth of the business and continue to improve returns for shareholders.”

Bendigo Bank says the changes are effective immediately with the exception of the appointment of Taso Corolis, who will commence his new role on October 7 when he returns from a period of leave.

Richard Fennell congratulated the new appointments and additions to the executive team, saying renewal was important to ensure the Bank could continue to “deliver on its purpose of feeding into the prosperity of its customers and the community”.

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