Aaron Milburn to leave finance industry

Mr Milburn, who has worked in the finance industry for the past 22 years (including the past five years at listed non-bank lender Pepper Money), is expected to leave his role as Pepper Money’s general manager for mortgages and commercial lending once a successor is found. 

Speaking of his decision to take a career break, Mr Milburn said: “This announcement won’t come as a shock to those that know me. I have three children under the age of six, and I’ve always had a desire to get more involved in their lives, whether it’s helping out at the school reading group, or getting more involved in the P&C.  

“Now just feels like the right time to explore my interests and passions outside of the lending industry.” 

Mr Milburn thanked Pepper for its understanding in enabling him to step down, adding: “I’ve loved every minute of my time at Pepper Money. It is a business that absolutely lives its core values, and does so much for families and brokers. I’m very sad to be leaving, and my decision does not reflect on the company at all.” 

He particularly thanked the CEO of Pepper Money, Mario Rehayem, for his support, stating: “Since telling others of my decision, the overwhelming feedback has been wholly supportive, but the most supportive person has been Mario Rehayem, who has been instrumental in enabling this change.  

“I will be forever grateful for his support.” 

The Pepper Money CEO confirmed that Mr Milburn had this week advised the company of his intention to take a career break from the workforce “in order to spend quality time with his young family and focus on a number of external interests and passions outside of the mortgage industry”. 

The CEO said: “While we will miss Aaron, he has our full support and is always welcome back at Pepper. 

“Importantly, from a business perspective it will be business as usual, as Aaron has committed to continuing in his current role until a successor is appointed, to ensure a seamless and smooth transition.”

Mr Rehayem concluded: “We have an extremely strong mortgages and commercial lending team who are focused on continuing to serve the needs of customers and brokers.”

Mr Milburn has worked in the finance industry for the past 22 years, having started at British banking brand Halifax/Bank of Scotland in 1999, where he worked for nearly a decade.

He has spent the past 12 years working with the broker channel, having been a state manager for Bankwest, St.George Bank and Westpac (2015-2017), as well as head of commercial broker sales at Bankwest (2009-2011) and head of broker distribution at Citi (2011-2015). 

After having joined Pepper Money as director - sales and distribution for Australia and New Zealand in 2017, Mr Milburn took up his current role as general manager for mortgages and commercial lending in 2019.

He has been a strong advocate for the broking industry and the growth of the broker channel.

[Related: Pepper Money officially lists on ASX]