NAB exec and former sports figure returns to first love
A NAB executive is leaving the bank after being appointed CEO of Rugby Australia.
Phil Waugh (pictured above), a former player for the Australian national rugby team the Wallabies, has served as executive of broker distribution at NAB for the past two years.
Rugby Australia officially announced Waugh’s appointment on Monday. Following the departure of former CEO Andy Marinos last month, Waugh was widely expected to take on the role.
The 43-year-old former Wallaby has an impressive rugby career, having played 79 Tests for the Wallabies and winning the John Eales Medal in 2003.
Since retiring from professional rugby in 2011, Waugh has been involved in the banking sector. In addition to NAB, he has held roles at Commonwealth Bank and Westpac. He has also served as a non-executive director on the Rugby Australia board since 2018.
“Being appointed as Rugby Australia's CEO is an absolute honor and privilege,” Waugh said. “Above all, the role comes with enormous responsibility to ensure our great game thrives throughout communities across Australia. There is definitely a buzz around the game regarding our upcoming Golden Decade, and I intend to work with the team at Rugby Australia and our many stakeholders to maximize this period and secure financial sustainability.”
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“The Rugby Australia Board unanimously endorsed Phil's selection as the new CEO of Rugby Australia,” said Hamish McLennan, Rugby Australia chairman. “‘Waughy’ has proven himself on and off the field as a true believer in the potential of where the global game of Rugby can take you. Phil has exacting standards which will deliver us improved pathways and success as we prepare for the Golden Decade of Rugby ahead for our men, women, boys, and girls. We are on a mission, and Phil will make sure we get there.”
NAB thanks Waugh for service
NAB executive for home lending Andy Kerr thanked Waugh for his service to the bank.
“I am very grateful to Phil and everything he has achieved in his time at NAB,” Kerr said. “Over the last two years under Phil’s leadership, NAB has transformed its position as the ‘Bank behind the Broker’ with fast, consistent service and strong relationships which are now the cornerstone of our customer experience. Phil has been a key part of our broader technology transformation and has led the market launch of Simple Home Loans through our broker channel, giving brokers and purchasers faster approval and even greater certainty through the settlement process. Through Phil’s leadership we now have a real advantage in the market and a dedication to broker service that is now delivering us consistent wins in our broker business. Thank you, Phil, and congratulations from all of us at NAB.”
In the interim, NAB executive for broker experience Adam Brown will step into Waugh’s role. Brown has been with the banks since 2007.
“Adam is well-known in the broker industry and has led the Advantedge business for many years, with standout broker advocacy and a focus on customer service,” Kerr said. “Adam is well-placed to continue NAB’s transformation of broker experience.”
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