Great Southern Bank Names New Chief Information Officer
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Quick Overview
- Great Southern Bank has appointed Bernadette Stone as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).
- Stone’s prior experience includes serving as COO and CIO at RACQ along with management roles at Brisbane City Council, Virgin Australia, and Aurizon.
- She will manage the bank’s technology, data, and enterprise portfolio functions.
- Carol-Ann Gough, the previous CIO, has transitioned to Guidewire Software as VP of customer success and professional services for APAC.
- The technology leadership at RACQ has now been taken over by former Aussie Broadband CIO Anna Clive.
Great Southern Bank Appoints Bernadette Stone as New CIO
Who is Bernadette Stone?
Broad Background in Technology and Leadership
Bernadette Stone offers a rich background to Great Southern Bank, having held senior technology and operational positions across various sectors. Her latest role was as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at RACQ, where she also acted as CIO before becoming COO in 2022.
Past Roles in Significant Australian Organizations
Prior to her time at RACQ, Stone occupied essential leadership roles, notably as CIO for Brisbane City Council. She also contributed significantly to technology and enterprise operations at Virgin Australia and the rail freight company Aurizon.
Implications for Great Southern Bank
Enhancing Digital and Technology Strategy
As CIO, Stone will lead the bank’s technology, data, and enterprise portfolio sectors. With the financial industry progressively adopting digital transformation, her guidance will be vital in bolstering the bank’s technological prowess.
Potential Innovations and Future Path
Stone’s expertise in directing large-scale technology initiatives suggests that Great Southern Bank could experience innovations in digital banking services, cybersecurity, and enhancements in customer interactions shortly.
Changes in Leadership at Great Southern Bank and RACQ
Exit of Former CIO Carol-Ann Gough
Stone takes over from Carol-Ann Gough, who resigned as CIO of Great Southern Bank after two years. Gough has since joined Guidewire Software as Vice President of customer success and professional services for the APAC region, managing teams in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
New Technology Leadership at RACQ
With Stone leaving RACQ, the technology department is presently managed by Anna Clive, previously the CIO of Aussie Broadband. Clive’s background in telecommunications and IT infrastructure is expected to influence RACQ’s digital trajectory.
Summary
Bernadette Stone’s appointment as CIO of Great Southern Bank signifies a notable shift in leadership for the financial entity. Her extensive background in technology and enterprise operations positions her to advance the bank’s digital strategy. Under her direction, Great Southern Bank is set to strengthen its technological capabilities, enhance customer experience, and adapt to the changing digital banking environment.
Q&A
Q: What is Bernadette Stone’s background?
A:
Bernadette Stone has a strong record in leadership within technology and operations at RACQ, Brisbane City Council, Virgin Australia, and Aurizon. She was formerly RACQ’s CIO before taking on the COO role.
Q: What will Stone’s position entail at Great Southern Bank?
A:
In her role as CIO, Stone will manage the bank’s technology, data, and enterprise portfolio operations, directing its digital strategy and innovation initiatives.
Q: Who served as the previous CIO of Great Southern Bank?
A:
Carol-Ann Gough held the position of CIO before stepping down in late 2023 and subsequently joined Guidewire Software as VP of customer success and professional services for APAC.
Q: How might Stone’s leadership affect Great Southern Bank?
A:
With her extensive IT leadership experience, Stone is anticipated to drive digital transformation, enhance customer experience, and improve the bank’s technology framework.
Q: Who is currently leading RACQ’s technology division?
A:
Following Stone’s departure, RACQ’s technology operations are now directed by Anna Clive, former CIO of Aussie Broadband.
Q: What implications does this leadership transition have for Great Southern Bank customers?
A:
Customers may observe enhancements in digital banking services, security measures, and overall user experience as Stone implements progressive technology-driven strategies.
