She brings over 30 years of experience in leadership roles
Great Southern Bank has announced the appointment of Deborah O’Toole (pictured above) as its new chair, effective Nov. 7.
O’Toole, currently a non-executive director at the customer-owned bank, will succeed Nigel Ampherlaw, who is retiring from the role following the bank’s annual general meeting on the same date.
O’Toole brings over 30 years of experience in leadership roles, particularly within finance functions across large and complex organisations. Her career includes serving as chief financial officer at Aurizon, Queensland Cotton, and MIM Holdings. She is also the chair of Transurban Qld Finance and a non-executive director at Sims Limited, Pacific National Rail, and Sydney Airport Corporation. Previously, she has held non-executive director roles at CSIRO, Alumina Limited, Boart Longyear, and Boral Limited.
“Deborah brings continuity, passion and commitment to our bank,” said Ampherlaw, who became chair of the bank in 2018. “She has a deep knowledge of Great Southern Bank and of what makes us unique. She believes in the mission of customer-owned banking and, as a seasoned non-executive director with many years’ experience across numerous boards, has the skills and knowledge to help guide our bank through the next stages of its growth.”
See LinkedIn post here.
Commenting on her appointment, O’Toole expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of customer-owned banking in Australia.
“I am very honoured to take on this role at Great Southern Bank,” she said. “The customer-owned banking tradition puts the needs of customers at the heart of everything it does. It’s a vibrant financial alternative that many Australians need now, more than ever.”
She also acknowledged Ampherlaw’s contributions, noting the bank’s growth under his leadership.
“He has helped navigate Great Southern Bank through an unprecedented period of change, growth and challenge,” O’Toole said. “During his tenure as chairman, Great Southern Bank grew the group’s assets by almost 40% and, most importantly, we continued to be guided by our mutual values and founding principles of providing fair and affordable finance.”
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