Non-executive director Darren Turner has been appointed incoming Chair of NGM Group, with the tenure of current Chair Samantha Martin-Williams concluding next month.
A retired PwC partner and proud Novocastrian, Mr Turner brings more than four decades’ experience to the role, including in strategy, governance and financial risk management. His past work with Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, and his strong connection to the Hunter region, provide him with a deep understanding of NGM Group, Australia’s leading customer-owned bank
Mr Turner is currently Chair of Hunter Medical Research Institute and holds Director positions at Varley Group and Phoenix Health Fund, among other key roles in private, public and not-for-profit organisations.
He will commence as NGM Group Chair on 1 March 2026, with Ms Martin-Williams concluding on 28 February, after 13 years with the boards of Newcastle Permanent and NGM Group.
In 2012 Ms Martin-Williams became the first female director of Newcastle Permanent, transitioning to the Board of NGM Group following its 2023 merger with Greater Bank. She was appointed as the organisation’s first female Chair in 2024.
During her tenure as Chair NGM Group grew more than any other mutual bank in Australia and saw record levels of investment in technology and innovation. The customer-owned bank now serves 650,000 Australians, holds $23 billion in assets and is investing more than $6 million a year in local communities.
Ms Martin-Williams said it had been a privilege to serve Newcastle Permanent and NGM Group for over a decade.
“This organisation has gone from strength to strength over the past 13 years and I am incredibly proud to have played a part,” she said.
“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.”
Samantha Martin-Williams | Concluding NGM Group Chair
Mr Turner said he was honoured to be appointed to the position.
“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,” he said.
“Sam has led NGM Group with heart, and the impact of her leadership can be seen across the organisation.
“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.”
NGM Group Managing Director and CEO Bernadette Inglis said that the Board was well-positioned for the future as a result of Ms Martin-Williams’ leadership and Mr Turner’s extensive experience.
“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,” Ms 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.”
Rod Jackson remains Deputy Chair of NGM Group, contributing extensive financial services and international business experience as well as more than 15 years with financial services and not-for-profit boards.