Bernadette Inglis to hand over to James Cudmore in early 2027
The NGM Group Board today announced that after more than seven years, Bernadette Inglis will transition from the role of CEO of NGM Group, Australia’s leading customer-owned bank, in early 2027.
After an accomplished executive career, Ms Inglis will focus on her board roles and advisory work.
James Cudmore, currently NGM Group’s Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer, will take over as CEO. The Board appointed Mr Cudmore following a comprehensive market scan and selection process supported by an independent executive search firm.
Ms Inglis will work closely with Mr Cudmore through a planned handover over the coming months, ensuring continuity for customers, employees and stakeholders, while continuing to serve on the NGM Group Board.
Bernadette Inglis’ achievements at NGM Group
Ms Inglis first joined as CEO of Newcastle Permanent in 2019, later leading the merger with Greater Bank in 2023 and becoming the founding CEO of NGM Group.
Under her leadership, NGM Group has grown home lending and customer deposits by more than 20 per cent since the merger in 2023, with total assets now at a record $25.1 billion. NGM Group is one of Australia’s best-capitalised and largest customer-owned banks, enabling record investment in better customer experiences and in giving back to local communities.
NGM Group Chair Darren Turner said Ms Inglis will leave the CEO role with NGM Group well placed for the future, with record investment in technology, innovation and communities, modernised branches and a new Hunter head office under way.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire team, we thank Bernadette for her exceptional leadership through a period of significant change and growth,” NGM Group Chair Darren Turner said.
“While driving significant transformation, Bernadette has kept the Group firmly anchored in its purpose, customers and communities. Bernadette has built the strategy, organisational foundations and leadership and team capability that have underpinned NGM Group’s strong momentum and performance, earning the bank its role at the top of the sector,” said Mr Turner.
Mr Turner confirmed Ms Inglis will continue to serve on the NGM Group Board.
Commenting on her decision to transition from CEO, NGM Group CEO Bernadette Inglis said it had been a privilege to serve in the role.
“It has been my privilege to serve in this role and to lead the people of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent as we came together to form NGM Group. Both brands carry a trust earned over generations, and I’m proud of how our people have nurtured and built on that trust every day. I know that NGM Group will be in excellent hands with James, who has already played an important role in NGM Group’s success,” Ms Inglis said.
James Cudmore to commence as CEO in early 2027
Mr Cudmore joined Newcastle Permanent in December 2019 as Chief Customer and Product Officer and has been NGM Group’s Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer since the merger in March 2023. He currently leads NGM Group’s customer, product, digital, marketing, corporate affairs, community and sustainability functions.
Before joining NGM Group, Mr Cudmore held senior roles with Westpac and Lloyds Banking Group. His career spans leadership roles across product management, distribution and digital, combining a deep understanding of retail banking with a strong focus on strategy and customer-led innovation.
“James knows NGM Group, our customers and our communities deeply, and brings more than 20 years of banking experience in Australia and the UK,” Mr Turner said.
“He offers a strong understanding of retail banking, built through leading Westpac’s Regional NSW and ACT business, alongside more recent experience leading customer proposition, digital product development, pricing and multi-brand strategy. The Board has every confidence he is the right person to lead NGM Group into its next chapter.”
Mr Cudmore said it was an honour to be appointed CEO of NGM Group.
“I know what NGM Group means to the people and places it serves, so every decision I make will start with what’s right for our customers and communities. NGM Group is in a strong position, thanks in large part to Bernadette’s vision and commitment, and I’m looking forward to realising the bright future ahead," said Mr Cudmore.
The appointment will now proceed through the regulatory process.