Sinead Taylor appointed first female head of Bankwest

Bankwest today announced the appointment of Sinead Taylor as the new head of Bankwest, the first female to lead the organisation in its 124-year history.

Ms Taylor, formerly Bankwest Executive General Manager Personal and Business Banking, will be confirmed in the role permanently subject to regulatory approval.

The appointment follows Rowan Munchenberg’s announcement to colleagues today that he has chosen to step down from the role of managing director to pursue other opportunities.

Angus Sullivan, CBA Group Executive for Retail Banking Services, thanked Mr Munchenberg for his vision and leadership during his time with Bankwest.

“Rowan is a widely respected and values-driven leader and has placed customer needs at the heart of Bankwest,” he said.

“He has secured a firm foundation for the future by prioritising investment in Bankwest’s digital and broker offering, embedding new ways of working to deliver enhanced customer experiences more rapidly, safely and securely and revitalising the Bankwest brand.

“Sinead’s appointment shows our commitment to developing high calibre leaders. Sinead has a clear focus on improving customers’ financial wellbeing and I have no doubt she will continue this focus in her new role, leading a business that has strengthened under the stewardship of Rowan and his team.”

Ms Taylor said she was excited to lead Bankwest into its 125th year and beyond.

“We’re in a very strong position to continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and grow the Bankwest brand and business in our home state of WA and nationwide,” she said.

“We’re sending a clear signal of our intent to be bold and different in our customer focus with innovations such as the Bankwest Halo ring, in-app messaging, home loan digital signing, a multi-year Bankwest Stadium partnership in Western Sydney and our Bank Less brand positioning.

“And we intend to maintain our 124-year support for the prosperity of the communities and economy of WA through key partnerships and sponsorships.

“I look forward to building on this foundation to ensure we continue to meet changing customer needs and improve the financial wellbeing of our customers and communities.”

Mr Munchenberg said he believed now was the right time for him to explore new opportunities.

“I’m proud of the incredible progress our colleagues have made toward realising our vision to deliver amazing customer experiences that matter,” he said.

“We’ve refocused Bankwest to ensure customer needs remain at our core in today’s rapidly changing digital world. After nearly three fantastic years in the role, it’s the right time to make way for a new leader. Sinead will do an exceptional job in leading Bankwest forward.”