New CEO appointed to Credit Union SA

Todd Roberts has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Credit Union SA.

Mr Roberts will return from Victoria to his home state of South Australia to take up the position effective July 1, 2020.

He joins South Australia’s third largest credit union having built an impressive career in banking, finance and professional services across the country and overseas over the past 25 years.

Most recently Todd was General Manager – Business & Corporate Banking Victoria with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and prior to that he held a similar position in SA/NT for CBA.

His appointment follows an extensive executive search conducted by the Board of Credit Union SA following the announcement that current CEO Grant Strawbridge would be stepping down after eight successful years in the role.

More than 70 high calibre applications for the position were received from across Australia.

“Todd is an exceptional leader and was the standout candidate amongst a very high quality field,” Credit Union SA Chair Carolyn Mitchell said.

“He is highly motivated and has the experience, expertise, vision and people skills you want to see in a CEO. He is well connected and respected in the South Australian business community and has strong local market knowledge.

We look forward to working with Todd as he steers the growth and customer-centric culture of our organisation well into the future.

Credit Union SA is a customer-owned banking organisation with over $1 billion in total assets and 50,000 members. It provides a full range of financial services, including transaction and savings accounts, fixed term investments, home loans, personal loans, credit cards and insurance.

Credit Union SA was formed on 1 October 2009 by a merger between former South Australian credit unions Satisfac and Powerstate.

Mr Roberts said he was excited to be joining Credit Union SA at a crucial time for the financial services industry.

“This is a time for positive leadership and authentic engagement with customers and the community,” he said.

“Our industry and the wider economy are in the midst of rapid change and I’m invigorated by the opportunities that lie ahead for the organisation and its members.

Credit Union SA is a fantastic organisation with great people, admirable values and strong growth potential. Despite all the challenges thrown up globally in recent months, the Credit Union SA team has maintained a total focus on supporting and helping South Australians do more with their money.

Smart and easy-to-use technology has, and will continue to play, a key role in enhancing this customer experience, he said.

In March Credit Union SA was recognised as Australia’s ‘Best Digital Bank’ for non-major banks in this year’s DBM Australian Financial Awards.

Mr Roberts began his career in accounting and audit in Adelaide and was a Partner at Ferrier Hodgson and Finance Director at Valex Group before moving into banking.

He has held a significant number of Chair and Director roles with various not-for-profit organisations and charities throughout his career including the National Heart Foundation of Australia where he is both currently a Director and Chair of the Investment Committee.

“While my career in finance and banking has seen me based in London, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne at various times, I keep being drawn back to Adelaide,” he said.

“It’s where I grew up and formed some of my closest personal and business relationships over the years.

“I see a positive growth outlook in SA and the lifestyle is second to none.”

Media inquiries

Ben Hooper, Corporate Conversation, 0419 823 098 or ben.hooper@corporateconversation.com.au