A non-major bank has finalised its leadership transition, announcing the appointment of its permanent chief executive.
Digital bank BNK Banking Corporation has appointed Steve Kinsella as its permanent chief executive officer and Judith Newman as its permanent chief financial officer, which it said secured continuity in its senior leadership team following the departure of former CEO Allan Savins.
The lender said that the appointments took effect immediately on Friday (14 August), subject to final regulatory approvals.
Kinsella and Newman had held the roles on an interim basis since 2 April, when BNK announced Savins would step down.
Kinsella joined BNK as CFO in November 2023 and was appointed interim CEO in April, with BNK adding that he had played a “significant” role in the banks recent “turnaround and profitability”.
The newly permanent CEO brings more than three decades of banking experience spanning the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Bankwest and ABN Amro, with roles in Australia and overseas.
At CBA, Kinsella spent seven years as CFO of institutional, banking and markets, followed by six years as CFO of business and private banking.
Prior to joining CBA, he spent a decade in CFO positions at ABN Amro across Australia, Asia Pacific and London.
Newman, meanwhile, served as BNK’s financial controller since 2021 and also as interim CFO in 2023.
Board backs internal candidates
BNK said it had reviewed the CEO and CFO positions before deciding to remove the interim titles.
In an ASX statement outlining the appointments, the board said its decision reflected the executives’ contributions both before and during their interim leadership roles.
“The board conducted a review of these roles and is pleased to confirm Mr Kinsella and Ms Newman’s appointments, recognising their contribution, leadership and performance, both during the interim period and throughout their broader tenures with the company,” the statement read.
“The board has great confidence in their abilities to continue driving the company’s strategy and supporting the company’s future growth and performance.”
BNK chairman Jon Denovan said the permanent appointments brought certainty to the leadership team after a period of transition.
“I have great confidence in both Steve and Judith, having worked with them closely for a considerable period. I am comfortable that BNK is well served by securing the continued involvement of these two key individuals,” Denovan said.
The bank is due to release its financial results for the year ended 30 June on Thursday, 27 August.
[Related: BNK trims book amid push into higher margin lending]
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