Bankwest appoints tech pioneer as its new chief
(24 November 2016 - Australia) The West Australian-based bank has named Rowan Munchenberg as its replacement for current Bankwest managing director Rob De Luca, who announced his resignation in September.
Munchenberg has a long history in the technology and digital space. He has held senior positions at Telstra, including as founder and chief executive of its internet business BigPond, prior to his 2001 move to Bankwest’s parent company, Commonwealth Bank (CBA).
Munchenberg was in charge of teams of more than 3500 staff at Commonwealth and last year was sent to South Africa to lead its mobile venture Take Your Money Everywhere.
The bank bought the startup, which trades as Tyme and is billed as a “mobile-only bank”, in February 2015 for A$40 million.
CBA chief executive Ian Narev said of the appointment, that Munchenberg “had broad experience through a number of senior executive roles across retail, business and institutional banking businesses.”
“He currently resides in Johannesburg, where he has been leading CBA’s South African business and building its digital growth strategy,” Narev added.
“Rowan is a values-driven and people-focused leader. This, coupled with his expertise in technology and innovation, make him the ideal person to lead Bankwest. Under Rowan’s leadership, we remain committed to investing in Bankwest’s unique brand and customer proposition.”
Munchenberg will be based out of Perth, and starts his new tenure on 30 January 2017.
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