UBank CEO joins Suncorp

Suncorp has announced the appointment of Lee Hatton as chief executive officer of Suncorp’s banking and wealth division and Jeremy Robson as group chief financial officer.

Ms Hatton will commence her role in the first half of 2020, while Mr Robson’s appointment is effective immediately.

She joins Suncorp from NAB subsidiary UBank, where she has worked since 2015. 

The new appointee has also held senior leadership roles at the Bank of New Zealand, NAB and Great Western Bank in the United States. 

She will take over the role from outgoing Suncorp Group banking and wealth CEO David Carter.

Commenting on Ms Hatton’s appointment, Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said: “Lee is the ideal leader for Suncorp Bank as we continue to transform the experience our customers have with us. Her track record of building customer-focused, digital banking offerings and ability to positively influence organisational culture means she is the ideal candidate to lead Suncorp Bank in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive environment we are in. 

“Lee’s mandate is to ensure Suncorp Bank builds on its position as a strong regional bank with an unwavering focus on its customers and their local communities while continuing to deliver sustainable contributions to the group’s performance.”

Ms Hatton added that she was looking forward to leading Suncorp Bank through a “transformational time in the banking industry”.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead Suncorp Bank and be part of a great team as it moves into its next phase of growth and transformation. Suncorp Bank is already outperforming its peers and some of the majors through its digital banking capabilities and has signalled its intention to strengthen its core banking offerings through its strong investment in organisational capability and culture,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Robson has been serving as acting CFO since May 2019 and also held the roles of deputy group CFO, Suncorp Life CEO and Suncorp Life CFO since joining the group in 2013.

Prior to joining Suncorp, he held executive financial services roles at ANZ, AXA and KPMG.

“In his time at Suncorp, Jeremy has consistently demonstrated his understanding of the group’s finance function, appreciation of external market issues and the leadership values required in such a pivotal role for the group,” Mr Johnston said.

“I look forward to working with Jeremy, Lee and the rest of the group’s leadership team to deliver the FY20 priorities we outlined earlier this year.”

Former ASX CEO joins Suncorp board

Suncorp has also announced the appointment of Elmer Funke Kupper as a non-executive director, effective January 2020 following his registration under the Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR).

Mr Funke Kupper was previously the managing director and CEO of the Australian Securities Exchange, a director of the Business Council of Australia, and a non-executive director of Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (Tabcorp). 

The new appointee is also currently a non-executive director of MYOB Group Co Pty Ltd, the Australian holding company of the MYOB Group. Mr Funke Kupper’s appointment will take effect in January 2020 following registration under the BEAR regime.

Suncorp chair Christine McLoughlin welcomed his appointment, commenting: “As a board, we are acutely aware Suncorp is operating in an ever-evolving environment with heightened customer, shareholder, community and regulatory expectations.

“Elmer brings extensive financial services experience, as well as invaluable insights from his time as a public company CEO. The pace of change in our industry is increasing, driven by the rapid adoption of technology and a demanding regulatory environment. Elmer’s experience in navigating these changes will complement the skills of the existing Suncorp board.”

[Related: Bank CEO to step down]