It also announces incoming deputy chair
Samantha Martin-Williams (pictured) has been named the incoming chair of NGM Group, making her the first woman to lead the organisation, which is one of Australia’s largest customer-owned financial institutions.
Martin-Williams will succeed Wayne Russell after his retirement at the company’s annual general meeting, which will take place in November.
Martin-Williams, who boasts a portfolio of board roles including deputy chair of Newcastle Airport and vice chair of the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia, brings a wealth of experience in governance and community leadership to NGM Group. She is also a board member of tech start-up hub Fishburners and the University of Newcastle Business School.
Her appointment follows her role as the first female director at Newcastle Permanent. Martin-Williams transitioned to the NGM Group board after the 2023 merger of Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank, where she currently leads the people, culture, and remuneration committee.
“NGM Group and its Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank brands are deeply embedded in our communities, and we’re one of the largest regional employers, so we have a proud history of delivering for our people and our region,” Martin-Williams said. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of NGM Group.”
Read more: NGM Group announces net profit after tax of $72.9 million
Meanwhile, Rod Jackson has been appointed deputy chair, and he will be taking over from the retiring deputy chair Jeff Eather at the same AGM.
Jackson, a seasoned executive with over four decades in banking, had leadership roles at Westpac, St George, and RAMS. He chairs NGM Group’s risk committee and holds positions on several other boards, including Searson Buck Group and NextSense.
In addition, Catherine Robson, another NGM Group non-executive director, has been named chair of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Board.
Robson, with a background in finance and investment and extensive non-profit board experience, takes over this role with a rich history of service in finance, health, and education sectors.
Russell said the appointments reflect the NGM Group Board’s commitment to proactive succession and composition planning.
“In handing over to Sam and Rod, I could not be more confident in the organisation’s future,” he stated. “Sam has a proven track record of advancing the agenda of regional business in Australia which, coupled with Rod’s industry experience, will build on NGM Group’s already-strong position in the industry.
“Having already demonstrated their capability and commitment, I know Sam and Rod are the right leaders to continue to drive NGM Group towards our goal of being Australia’s leading customer-owned bank.”
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