Four decades of financial services experience now at helm of mutual lender
John Evans (pictured top right) has been appointed chair of Beyond Bank, following the transition of the role from Sam Andersen (pictured top left) at the institution's annual meeting last week.
Evans, who brings more than four decades in financial services, risk management and business positions, moves into the role having served as a non-executive director since October 2022.
The appointment sees Evans, previously an audit and assurance partner at the global accounting firm KPMG, step up to lead the mutual bank. He replaces Andersen, who held the chair since 2018 and stepped down from the position at the annual general meeting.
The bank has simultaneously announced appointments to strengthen its board composition. Helen Thornton has been named as a non-executive director, commencing immediately, while Christine Yates will assume a similar role from 1 February, 2026.
"Since 2013, against the prevailing headwinds in financial services, Beyond Bank has trebled its assets to $11 billion, doubled member capital to nearly $780 million and strengthened its capital adequacy ratio from 16.1% to 16.6%," Andersen said.
"We've expanded our community investment year on year and now partner with over 6,700 organisations across Australia, proof that performance and purpose can grow hand in hand. I am deeply proud of the way our team has delivered with integrity, purpose, and care.
"John is an exceptional choice to lead the bank as it continues on its path of robust growth and expansion. He is a world-class executive who has had a long and esteemed career in the financial services sector and is deeply committed to the strategy and values of Beyond Bank. Combine that with John's deep understanding of mutual organisations, their unique challenges and opportunities, and there is no doubt the bank will be in very safe hands under his stewardship."
Evans said it was an honour to be appointed chair of Beyond Bank. "It is proudly a mutual bank with a unique commitment to its members and to the communities in which those members live, work and play," he stated.
"My priority will be to ensure that Beyond Bank continues to grow and to build on the great foundation that its members, past and present, have established, so that it remains well positioned to serve its current and new members and their communities, all around Australia, well into the future."
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