Lender appoints new CEO - 2018

Building society Newcastle Permanent has announced the appointment of Bernadette Inglis as its new chief executive officer, who will assume her new role in the coming months.  

Ms Inglis will join Newcastle Permanent from Westpac, where she has served as group general manager of Westpac’s retail and premium bank.

Commenting on Ms Inglis’ appointment, chair Jeff Eather said: “With a track record of delivering business growth and value for customers, Bernadette also has many academic and business achievements, including receiving the Business Woman of the Year Award from the Queensland Business Review.

“As a well-respected and talented business leader, Bernadette shares the values underpinning Newcastle Permanent and its role as a customer-owned financial institution. During the recruitment process, the board was impressed by Bernadette’s resolute focus on the core elements of our mission, namely our customers, our people and our community.

“The board is absolutely delighted to appoint a new CEO with such strong customer, community and people-orientated values, and we enthusiastically welcome Bernadette to the position, looking forward to working closely with her to continue Newcastle Permanent’s strong performance.”

Ms Inglis replaces Terry Millett who announced that he was stepping down from the role of CEO in July, after more than 10 years as CEO.  

“We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Terry Millett for his dedication to Newcastle Permanent’s core values throughout his decade tenure as CEO,” Mr Eather added.

“He has consistently shown an enthusiastic and collaborative approach to leadership and commitment to supporting the community.”

The building society has noted that acting CEO Mark Williams will continue in the role until Ms Inglis takes the helm in the coming months.

Reflecting on her appointment, the incoming CEO said: “Newcastle Permanent maintains one of the best reputations in the financial services industry for the quality of its services and the culture within the organisation.

“I’m honoured that the board of directors has recognised in me the skills and values to lead Newcastle Permanent’s impressive team, and I’m confident that I can contribute senior leadership and guidance to continue the market leadership and ongoing evolution of the business.”

[Related: Leading building society rules out bank move]