Movers & Shakers

BOQ names new CEO

Bank of Queensland Limited (BOQ) has appointed Rod Finch as its next CEO and managing director, effective 1 March 2026.

Previously BOQ’s chief transformation and operations officer, Finch succeeded Patrick Allaway, who was slated to retire from his executive duties on 28 February 2026.

BOQ chair Andrew Fraser described Finch’s promotion as a deliberate move to maintain leadership continuity through a crucial juncture in the group’s strategy to strengthen performance, simplify systems, and rebuild customer trust.

“As a key leader of BOQ, Rod’s appointment will ensure we maintain momentum in executing our strategy to become a simpler, specialist bank with improved performance for customers and shareholders,” Fraser said.

He also said Finch’s direct involvement in the bank’s transformation initiatives – including its digital platform build, risk and operations uplift, and efficiency drive – made him uniquely positioned to lead BOQ into its next phase

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Inviva welcomes industry veterans to leadership team

Inviva has announced two key executive appointments as the business accelerates its national expansion, with former Nationwise Group leaders Rob Ryan and Adrian Cunningham (pictured) joining the reverse mortgage lender’s senior leadership team.

The industry veterans join the new home equity release lender established in 2023 to help over-55s unlock the equity in their property to fund their retirement and lifestyle goals.

Beginning on 27 January, the duo will be tasked with setting the lender up on aggregator panels and increasing broker engagement.

Ryan, who was most recently the chief operating officer and group company secretary of the Nationwise Group (which owns growing aggregation group Viking Aggregation) becomes Inviva’s new general manager, partnerships & growth.

Meanwhile, Cunningham – who was most recently Nationwise’s chief customer and information officer – has been appointed as new general manager, distribution.

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ASIC announces first female chair

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) announced Sarah Court, its current deputy chair, will take over the chair position on 1 June 2026.

Court will become the first female chair in ASIC’s 35-year history, succeeding Joe Longo who has led the financial service and corporate regulator since 2021.

She brings over 17 years of experience in high-level statutory roles, including as deputy chair of ASIC (since 2021) and as a commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Longo said the new appointee would bring deep regulatory expertise to the role, saying she was “an exceptional regulator with a strong record in enforcement that demonstrates her integrity and impact”.

“Her work as ASIC’s deputy chair has been instrumental to the success of the agency’s structural transformation that has strengthened our enforcement posture and work, leading to better outcomes for consumers and a fairer financial system,” he said.

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AMP announces new CEO

AMP Limited has announced that Blair Vernon will succeed Alexis George as group CEO at the end of this month.

Vernon, the current CFO, has over 30 years of industry experience, he has held several senior leadership roles at AMP, including acting CEO of AMP Australia and head of New Zealand wealth management.

Chair Mike Hirst credited Vernon with strengthening financial management and executing key divestments, including the sale of AMP Capital.

He will take on the CEO role on 30 March from outgoing CEO George, who is retiring from executive roles. However, she will remain available to assist with the transition.

Vernon expressed his commitment to delivering positive outcomes for stakeholders, while the board emphasised that his appointment ensures strategic continuity. A search for a new chief financial officer is now underway.