Bank of Sydney gives acting CEO permanent spot

Move formalises leadership continuity following core banking overhaul

Bank of Sydney gives acting CEO permanent spot

The Bank of Sydney has confirmed Kieran McKenna (pictured top) as its permanent chief executive officer.

McKenna had held the role of acting CEO since November before being formally appointed to the position.

Bank of Sydney chair Nikolas Hatzistergos said McKenna's handling of a period of substantial organisational change made him the clear candidate for the permanent role.

Nikolas Hatzistergos of the Bank of Sydney"Kieran is an experienced banking leader who successfully steered one of the most significant milestones in our organisation's history, delivering our core banking transition on time and within agreed parameters," Hatzistergos (pictured right) said.

"The Board is confident that Kieran is the right leader to build on this momentum, continuing to strengthen our customer experience while advancing our vision of sustainable, multi-generational banking that delivers value for our customers, communities and stakeholders."

Commenting on his appointment, McKenna said he was proud to take on the leadership role as the bank moved past a significant period of transformation into its next stage of growth.

"Together with the Board, it's a privilege to lead Bank of Sydney at such an important point in our journey," McKenna stated. "Over the past year, we've laid the foundations with our new core banking platform, enhancing our customer and employee experience. While much of that work has been behind the scenes, customers will now start to see a difference in how easy it is to bank with us.

"We're on a path of sustainable growth, strengthening our products and services to attract new customers, while deepening our connection to the communities we serve. What matters most to me is that we stay close to our customers and communities as we grow, because that's what sets Bank of Sydney apart."

McKenna joined Bank of Sydney as chief risk officer in 2024, moving into the acting CEO position the following year. He has more than 30 years' experience in Australian financial services, having held senior positions at Cuscal, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and the ASX.

Bank of Sydney has operated for more than 25 years, offering personal and business banking products across a branch network in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The institution is known for its community focus and personalised service model.

The bank's mortgage range includes the Expect More Home Loan, offering offset and redraw facilities, and the fee-free BOS Basic Home Loan. It also provides investment lending and the Home Equity Maximiser, a line-of-credit facility available through both direct and broker channels.

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