NAB exec to head up mutual bank

Mr Perkins has worked in a range of senior banking roles over his 12-year career at NAB, including as Queensland state general manager for NAB Private.

As well as banking experience, Mr Perkins is also heavily involved in the sporting arena, having been a former Olympic Gold medallist for swimming, a Sport Australia Hall of Famer, and having received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1992.

The new Australian Unity Bank CEO will take up the position on 1 July 2021, filling the void left by former CEO Tim Barber, who left the position at the beginning of this year to join Mercer as head of Mercer Super.

He will report into Australian Unity’s CEO for the retail division, Christine Yates, who has been leading the retail banking business in an acting capacity since Mr Barber’s departure.

Ms Yates and Mr Perkins previously worked together at NAB.

Commenting on his appointment, she said that Mr Perkins’ combination of leadership, customer management, customer experience and operational delivery would support Australian Unity Bank as it worked to deliver its “Banking that’s good for you” growth agenda. 

“Having worked with Kieren at NAB, I was impressed with his commitment to customers and his team and his passion for the important role banking plays in society,” Ms Yates said. 

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Perkins said: “As a proud Australian, I have always felt the need to give back to the community that supported me to perform on the world stage.

“As I looked to make the next step in my career, the opportunity to use my experience in banking in a community-focused organisation made Australian Unity a very exciting choice.” 

[Related: Australian Unity sells trail book]