Turner takes over from NGM Group’s first-ever female Chair Samantha Martin-Williams in March
Newcastle Greater Mutual Group, owner of customer-owned bank brands Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank, has announced Darren Turner (pictured, right) as its incoming Chair, to replace current Chair Samantha Martin-Williams (pictured, left), whose tenure will conclude next month.
A proud Novocastrian, Turner is a well-known figure in the Hunter Region with over four decades of strategy, governance and financial risk-management expertise under his belt.
He is currently the Chair of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and holds director positions at Varley Group and Phoenix Health Fund.
“NGM Group has a proud legacy and an exciting future, and I’m looking forward to working with the board and executive team in this new role, to continue to deliver value to our customers and invest in our communities,” Turner said.
“Sam has led NGM Group with heart, and the impact of her leadership can be seen across the organisation,” he said of his predecessor.
“Taking on this role after Sam is a privilege and I’m committed to carrying forward the standards, value and sense of purpose she has championed.”
Martin-Williams became the first female director of Newcastle Permanent, as it was called in 2012, before transitioning the the NGM Group board in 2023 following the merger with Great Bank. She became NGM Group’s first female Chair in 2024.
Looking back on her time with NGM Group, Williams said: “This organisation has gone from strength to strength over the past 13 years and I am incredibly proud to have played a part.
“Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand in our branches, our contact centres and our corporate offices the dedication and passion of our team, and it is so rewarding to see the positive impact we have made on our customers and communities.
“I have no doubt that with Darren at the helm NGM Group will continue to thrive, guided by its customer-first values and focus on supporting regional Australians and their communities.”
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NGM Group managing director and chief executive Bernadette Inglis looks towards NGM Group’ future with optimism.
“Sam has played a key role in helping scale NGM Group into the organisation that it is today, applying best practice contemporary governance while ensuring that our purpose and our people have remained front and centre during our evolution,” Inglis said.
“Darren’s long history with regional communities, strategic capability and understanding of our purpose will be invaluable in guiding us through our next phase of growth as we strengthen our position as Australia’s leading customer-owned bank.”
NGM Group currently serves 650,000 Australian customers and holds $23 billion in assets under management. It also has a robust community program, investing millions into local communities annually.
