CUA appoints Paul Lewis as new CEO

CUA Chairman Nigel Ampherlaw said the Board’s decision to appoint Mr Lewis from his role of CUA Chief Sales Officer followed an extensive and competitive recruitment process, which considered high calibre internal and external candidates.

The appointment follows the announcement in April that the current CEO, Rob Goudswaard, would step down from the role at the end of his five-year contract.

“We are delighted to appoint Paul to lead CUA as we accelerate our investment in growing our business through member-focused innovation and transformation,” Mr Ampherlaw said.

“Paul’s strong experience in retail banking and his values-led approach to leadership make him an exceptional choice to steer CUA through the next phase of its growth.

“Australians have made clear that they want banking providers to put their customers’ interests first. Paul brings a deep understanding of this, having led our member-facing frontline teams over the past year and a half.”

Mr Ampherlaw said Mr Lewis would leverage his track record of delivering sustainable growth to ensure CUA continued to deliver value for members now and into the future.

“Paul has shown real commitment to CUA’s strategic direction. He will continue to build on CUA’s 73-year heritage of helping members, while championing the decisions and investments that will ensure we remain relevant for future generations,” Mr Ampherlaw said.

Mr Lewis has more than 15 years’ leadership experience in retail banking, including executive roles in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. He joined CUA in February 2018 and has been responsible for leading CUA’s sales channels including the innovative iM CUA app, branches, CUA Direct call centre, the broker channel and general insurance partnerships.

Prior to joining CUA, Paul was the Senior Head of Strategy and Transformation at Westpac. He also held senior executive roles within ANZ, including General Manager of ANZ’s Australian retail branch network.

Mr Lewis said he was humbled to be appointed as CEO.

“I was first attracted to CUA by its proud history of community ownership and innovation,” Mr Lewis said.

“I’ve been inspired by the values-led culture of innovation which is evident at all levels within CUA. This culture is a testament to Rob’s five years in the role and has seen us deliver the digital capabilities we know our members want, while retaining the trust and humanity they associate with CUA.

“It is an exciting time to be entrusted with leading CUA through the next phase of our journey, as we look to become an even more member-led, agile and scalable business. I am grateful for the opportunity and am looking forward to working with the Board and the executive team to further strengthen CUA’s position as a mutual leader.”