CUA appoints new CEO

The credit union announced earlier this year that current CEO Rob Goudswaard would be stepping down, after he elected not to extend his five-year contract in order to spend more time closer to his home base of Melbourne.

The company has now announced that, following “an extensive and competitive recruitment process, which considered high-calibre internal and external candidates”, it has chosen Mr Lewis to take up the helm.

Mr Lewis, who has served as chief sales officer for CUA since February 2018 and has been responsible for leading CUA’s sales channels, including the broker channel and general insurance partnerships, will take on the role of CEO from 1 November 2019.

CUA chairman Nigel Ampherlaw commented: “We are delighted to appoint Paul to lead CUA as we accelerate our investment in growing our business through member-focused innovation and transformation.”

“Paul’s strong experience in retail banking and his values-led approach to leadership make him an exceptional choice to steer CUA through the next phase of its growth.

“Australians have made clear that they want banking providers to put their customers’ interests first. Paul brings a deep understanding of this, having led our member-facing frontline teams over the past year and a half.”

Prior to joining CUA, Mr Lewis held executive banking roles throughout Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, including senior head of strategy and transformation at Westpac, and general manager of ANZ’s Australian retail branch network.

Mr Ampherlaw said he believes Mr Lewis has shown commitment to the company’s “strategic direction” as chief sales officer, and that the lender would look to leverage his track record of delivering sustainable growth.

“Paul has shown real commitment to CUA’s strategic direction. He will continue to build on CUA’s 73-year heritage of helping members while championing the decisions and investments that will ensure we remain relevant for future generations,” Mr Ampherlaw said.

Mr Lewis said he was humbled to be appointed as CEO.

“I was first attracted to CUA by its proud history of community ownership and innovation,” Mr Lewis said.

“I’ve been inspired by the values-led culture of innovation, which is evident at all levels within CUA. This culture is a testament to Rob’s five years in the role and has seen us deliver the digital capabilities we know our members want, while retaining the trust and humanity they associate with CUA.

“It is an exciting time to be entrusted with leading CUA through the next phase of our journey, as we look to become an even more member-led, agile and scalable business. I am grateful for the opportunity and am looking forward to working with the board and the executive team to further strengthen CUA’s position as a mutual leader.”

[Related: Lender CEO to step down]