Auswide ramps up customer focus with new recruit

Damian Hearne will step into the newly-created role from Suncorp Group, where he worked in a number of roles including as a regional manager of business and personal customers, and as a regional general manager.

Mr Hearne was also previously a state manager at Bank of Queensland, as well as a rugby manager for the Queensland Reds rugby union team.

Martin Barrett, managing director at Auswide, said Mr Hearne will supervise and coordinate the group’s retail and business banking sales and distribution teams, its third-party relationships including mortgage brokers and introducers, and its marketing and product initiatives, “to build our customer experience to ensure it is second to none”.

“Damian brings with him the necessary experience and skills to holistically coordinate these efforts, boasting significant experience in financial services,” Mr Barrett said.

“He has led teams at both of Queensland’s larger banks across retail and business banking channels. In addition, his background in rugby union at a professional level means he understands the value of teamwork and culture in achieving goals.”

Mr Hearne said he is looking forward to joining “a bank that has the customer in the centre of its plans — an organisation that wants to make a difference”.

The appointment of Mr Hearne aligns with the launch of Auswide’s three-year strategic plan, which aims to increase the bank’s customer-centricity and growth.

“Having built new capability across the bank, rebranded and communicated our brand position, and invested in our future as part of our last strategic plan, the next three years requires us to leverage that investment and further accelerate our growth and position in the market,” Mr Barrett said.

[Related: NAB announces business restructure]