NGM Group appoints new chair

Newcastle Greater Mutual Group (NGM Group) confirmed that Martin-Williams’ role as the group’s chair will commence at its November AGM, replacing long-serving chair Wayne Russell.

Martin-Williams’ appointment has made her the first woman to hold the position of chair in the organisation’s history.

She brings a variety of board experience and community leadership to the role, currently serving as the deputy chair of Newcastle Airport and vice-chair of the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA). She also currently chairs NGM Group’s people, culture, and remuneration committee.

Additionally, Martin-Williams became the first female director of Newcastle Permanent and transitioned to the board of NGM Group following its merger with Greater Bank in 2023.

NGM Group has also announced a new deputy chair, Rod Jackson, who is set to commence his role alongside Martin-Williams.

Jackson will succeed deputy chair Jeff Eather, who will also retire at the November AGM.

Jackson carries over 40 years of banking experience in roles with Westpac, St.George, RAMS, and was formerly the chair of Westpac Europe.

He is currently a non-executive director of the Searson Buck Group and NextSense and serves on the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) board and chair of NGM Group’s risk committee.

Russell stated these appointments “reflect the NGM Group board’s strong commitment to proactive succession and composition planning”.

“In handing over to Sam and Rod, I could not be more confident in the organisation’s future,” he said.

“Sam has a proven track record of advancing the agenda of regional business in Australia which, coupled with Rod’s industry experience, will build on NGM Group’s already strong position in the industry.

“Having already demonstrated their capability and commitment, I know Sam and Rod are the right leaders to continue to drive NGM Group towards our goal of being Australia’s leading customer-owned bank.”

Commenting on her appointment, Martin-Williams said: “NGM Group and its Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank brands are deeply embedded in our communities and we’re one of the largest regional employers, so we have a proud history of delivering for our people and our region. It’s an exciting time to be a part of NGM Group.”

Russell and Eather were part of the Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent boards (respectively) for over 10 years and were instrumental in bringing the mutuals together in 2023, according to the group.

“Wayne and Jeff have not only built an incredibly strong and thriving organisation that delivers real value for our customers, they have championed our investment in local communities and our people,” Martin-Williams added.

“Wayne and Jeff have set a really high benchmark and with such a broad range of skills and experience across the NGM Group Board, Rod and I look forward to progressing our contemporary approach to corporate governance.”

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