Our executive team is responsible for implementing the Board's strategy and achieving bankmecu 's vision.
We are pleased to introduce to you, members of the management team:
Managing Director - Damien Walsh
Damien was appointed to Managing Director effective 1 September 2011 after serving as General Manager of Corporate Services for 8 years and also holding the position of Company Secretary. Damien has a total of 23 years experience in the mutual banking sector.
Damien is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Business Degree and a Masters in Business Administration.
Damien has worked primarily in the financial services sector having spent time in Enterprise, Esso Employees, Outlook and Members Australia Credit Unions.
Damien is responsible for and manages bankmecu's group operations and Human Resources. Damien works with the Board in setting group strategy, monitoring group performance and budget, and in ensuring all prudential, legal and compliance matters for bankmecu are properly adhered to.
During his time with bankmecu Damien has been instrumental in shaping bankmecu's response to sustainable development, a highlight was presenting at the 2005 UNEP FI Global Roundtable at the United Nations, New York.
Back to top
General Manager, Corporate Services - Chris Newey
Chris was appointed to the position of General Manager, Corporate Services effective 1 September 2011 following 8 years in the position of Finance & Administration Manager and Assistant Company Secretary. Chris has a total of 19 years experience in the mutual banking sector.
Chris is a member of CPA Australia and holds a Business Degree.
Chris' areas of responsibility are Finance, Administration, Information Technology and Company Secretary for bankmecu.
The Finance team is responsible for the financial management and financial reporting of bankmecu. The Administration team is responsible for administrative and property functions of bankmecu.
The Information Technology team is responsible for the development and management of banking systems, voice and data communications, area networks, hardware and software applications.
Back to top
General Manager, Operations & Risk - Robert Allen
Robert is responsible for the Insurance, National Access, Credit & Banking Integrity and Risk Management departments.
The Insurance team supports frontline staff to deliver to customers quality, competitive financial protection against many of life's possible unfortunate events.
The National Access team provides the quality back-office banking services that make modern banking convenient (e.g. eCommerce, cards, internet and telephone banking).
The Credit & Banking Integrity team works with customers to minimise debt problems and keep their loans a benefit rather than a millstone. They also protect customers from the inconvenience and distress of possible fraud attacks against cards, internet banking and other payment channels.
Risk Management coordinates bankmecu's risk management framework. It embeds responsibility for risk management, compliance, sustainability performance and quality improvement throughout the organisation. It ensures a robust complaint and dispute resolution service and oversees customer privacy protection.
Robert is committed to the customer owned model to provide trusted socially responsible financial services in the best interests of all stakeholders. With a background in teaching, local government and small business, he has 26 years experience across all aspects of bankmecu's operation.
Back to top
General Manager, Development - Rowan Dowland
Rowan holds the role of General Manager Development working to shape bankmecu's response to sustainable development and responsible banking whilst aligning bankmecu's approach to banking with the expectations of its socially progressive customers located throughout Australia.
Following extensive experience in both the corporate and government sectors Rowan decided to move into the customer owned banking sector some 18 years ago. Over this time he has been responsible for a number of different areas of the business including retail banking, marketing, business development and corporate communications.
In his role of General Manager Development Rowan has an eye to the future and realising the many opportunities that exist to define, grow and develop Australia’s first customer owned bank.
Rowan regularly speaks to a range of audiences on the bankmecu story and business case, the role of cooperative enterprise as well as the opportunities that exist for better kinds of companies to create shareholder value by addressing our most challenging environmental and social problems.
Rowan lives with his partner Maria in the Yarra Valley and returns each year to Europe where they spend time soaking up the strong sense of community that defines northern Italy.
Back to top
General Manager, Lending & Personal Banking - John Yardley
John manages bankmecu's retail customer service operations including call centres and service centres. He is also responsible for bankmecu's lending solutions including personal loans, car loans and home loans and investment loans.
John's primary responsibility is to ensure that the people working in bankmecu's service centres and call centres provide solutions efficiently and in ways that best meet our customers' needs.
John holds a Master of Business Administration.
Back to top