She will replace former Bendigo Bank CEO Marnie Baker
The Australian Banking Association Council has chosen ING Australia CEO Melanie Evans as its new deputy chair.
Evans (pictured above left) will take over the role from former Bendigo Bank CEO and managing director Marnie Baker (pictured above right), who has been ABA deputy chair since 2019.
Evans said she was honoured to accept the role during such an important time for the industry.
“The ABA plays a critical role in driving positive change in the industry, and to ensure customers’ interests continue to remain at the centre of policy development,” Evans said.
“I look forward to continuing this important work with ABA members and the broader ABA team. I’d also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Marnie Baker, who has been an outstanding deputy chair, and in particular, for her work in championing a more competitive industry.”
The ABA Council also thanked Baker for her outstanding leadership during her tenure as deputy chair and throughout her more than three decades in the banking industry. The 16-member council is chaired by NAB CEO Andrew Irvine.
Baker left Bendigo Bank in August 2024 after six years in the CEO and managing director role, having spent a total of 35 years with the bank in range of roles. Richard Fennell has been appointed as the new CEO and managing director.
ABA CEO Anna Bligh also thanked Baker for her time as deputy chair and as CEO of Bendigo Bank and said she had been a trusted and respected voice around the ABA Council table.
“Marnie has been a champion for the banking industry, especially when it comes to representing the important issue of proportional regulation for mid-tier banks, ensuring they can remain competitive in Australia,” Ms Bligh said.
Bligh congratulated Evans on her appointment and said she looked forward to working closely with her.
“I look forward to the important role Melanie will play in helping to lead the ABA Council to ensure the banking sector continues to put customer needs first,” Bligh said.
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