NGM Group, the customer-owned organisation behind Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has appointed Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer James Cudmore as its next CEO.
Mr Cudmore will succeed Bernadette Inglis, who will transition from executive leadership after more than seven years with Newcastle Permanent and NGM Group to focus on board roles and advisory work.
Ms Inglis and Mr Cudmore will work closely together through a planned handover over the coming months, ensuring continuity for customers, employees and stakeholders.
NGM Group Chair Darren Turner thanked Ms Inglis for her leadership through a period of significant change and growth.
“Bernadette has led with conviction and care while driving significant transformation,” Mr Turner said.
“She brought two proud organisations together, keeping our customers, communities and purpose at the heart of every decision - NGM Group would not be where it is today without her strong leadership.”
Ms Inglis joined Newcastle Permanent as CEO in 2019 and led its merger with Greater Bank in 2023, becoming the founding CEO of NGM Group.
Since the merger, NGM Group has grown home lending and customer deposits by more than 20 per cent, with total assets reaching a record $25.1 billion. This growth has supported investment in customer experiences, technology and local communities, to a record $60 million in FY26.
Ms Inglis said she was grateful to have led such a purpose-driven bank.
"It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead an organisation that means so much to its communities, and plays such a significant role in regional Australia," Ms Inglis said.
“Both Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent carry trust earned over generations, and I’m proud of how our people have nurtured and built on that trust every day.
“James understands both the responsibility and the opportunity that come with leading NGM Group, and I know the organisation will be in excellent hands.”
With 20 years' experience in banking in Australia and the UK, Mr Cudmore joined Newcastle Permanent in December 2019 as Chief Customer and Product Officer and became NGM Group’s Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer following the merger in March 2023.
He currently leads the Group’s customer, product, digital, marketing, corporate affairs, community and sustainability functions. Before joining NGM Group, he held senior roles with Westpac and Lloyds Banking Group.
“James combines deep banking experience with a genuine understanding of the people and communities we serve,” Mr Turner said.
“He knows this organisation back-to-front, believes strongly in our purpose and has the Board's full confidence to lead its next chapter.”
Mr Cudmore said it was an honour to be appointed CEO.
"Leading this organisation is a privilege that I do not take for granted, and I will work every day to honour the trust that our customers, people and communities place in us," he said.
“NGM Group is in a strong position, thanks in large part to Bernadette’s leadership, and I’m looking forward to realising the bright future ahead.”
The appointment will now proceed through the regulatory process.