Lender names new CFO, CCO and transformation head in leadership shake-up
Bank of Sydney has made three senior leadership appointments under chief executive Kieran McKenna as the lender moves to execute its growth strategy following a period of significant organisational change.
Stella Grilis (pictured top left) has been elevated to the executive team as chief financial officer, while Maria Karavias (pictured top right) takes on the newly created role of chief customer officer.
Caroline Ferris has been appointed head of transformation and strategy, reporting to chief operating officer Geoff Wenborn.
All three are internal promotions. McKenna (pictured right), who was himself confirmed as permanent chief executive last month, made a point of highlighting the bank's commitment to developing talent from within.
"These appointments recognise highly respected leaders who have already made significant contributions to Bank of Sydney, which is more important than ever as we enter this next phase of growth," he said.
"Stella, Maria and Caroline have all played important roles in our transformation journey, and these appointments demonstrate the strength of our team and our commitment to developing leaders from within the organisation."
Grilis has been with Bank of Sydney for more than two decades, most recently serving as acting CFO, and holds experience across the bank's finance, treasury, credit and risk functions.
Karavias joined in 2023 as chief marketing officer, where she oversaw brand, marketing, product and customer experience functions, including the bank's digital offering. The creation of the CCO role, McKenna said, reflects the bank's view that customer experience and engagement are central to its growth and competitive positioning.
Ferris joined Bank of Sydney in 2024 as head of core banking transformation, leading what the bank describes as the largest transformation programme in its history.
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