Heritage announces board changes

Heritage Bank board director Vivienne Quinn has announced her decision to step down from her position, which she has held since 1995.

Throughout her time on the board, the bank went from having 35 branches in south-east Queensland and 325 staff to now boasting 60 branches in southern Queensland and Sydney, along with more than 800 staff. 

She also sat on the board throughout the response to the GFC in 2008, and the bank’s name change from Heritage Building Society to Heritage Bank in 2011.

Ms Quinn will attend her final board meeting on 30 April 2020.

The reason for Ms Quinn’s departure has not been disclosed.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms Quinn said: “The board, management and the entire staff of Heritage have always been enthusiastic about this outstanding financial institution.

“For me, it has been an honour and a privilege to work with this organisation.”

Heritage Bank chairman Kerry Betros thanked Ms Quinn for her contribution to the bank over the years.

“Vivienne has been an outstanding member of this board, providing superb guidance and leadership during a sustained period of significant growth for Heritage,” Mr Betros said.

“From where Heritage was back in 1995 to where we are today, Vivienne has helped oversee the growth and prosperity that now allows us to provide even better products and services for our members.

“Her enthusiasm for the bank and the considerate and caring manner in which she has carried out her duties has earned her the highest respect and regard from all her board colleagues and staff over her 25 years.

“It has been a privilege to serve with Vivienne, and we thank her for all she has done, and we wish her well for the future.”

The bank will look to appoint a new director to the board and expects to make the announcement of its newest recruit “in the near future”.

Earlier this week, Heritage Bank was named as one of nine customer-owned banks taking part in the federal government’s Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme.

The scheme will see the government guarantee 50 per cent of all unsecured loans provided to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via the officially participating lenders for the six months to 30 September 2020.

SMEs are eligible for a scheme-backed loan of up to $250,000 for three years, so long as they are a small business or sole trader with less than $50-million annual turnover.

[Related: Nine customer-owned banks appointed to SME scheme]