NGM Group has announced that Chief Executive Officer Bernadette Inglis will step down from her executive role in early 2027 following more than seven years of leadership. Current Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer James Cudmore will succeed Bernadette as Chief Executive Officer, following a structured executive recruitment process conducted by the board and an independent search firm.

Bernadette joined Newcastle Permanent as Chief Executive Officer in 2019 before leading its 2023 merger with Greater Bank to become the founding Chief Executive Officer of NGM Group. Under her leadership, the institution expanded home lending and customer deposits by more than 20 per cent post-merger, reaching $25.1 billion in total assets. Following the leadership transition, Bernadette will transition to non-executive board and corporate advisory roles while retaining her position on the NGM Group Board.

Incoming Chief Executive Officer James Cudmore joined Newcastle Permanent in December 2019 as Chief Customer and Product Officer before assuming his current role overseeing customer experience, digital product development, marketing, sustainability and corporate affairs across the merged entity. Prior to joining the mutual bank, James spent over 20 years in senior retail banking and digital distribution leadership positions across Australia and the United Kingdom, including managing Westpac’s Regional NSW and ACT retail operations.

Chair of NGM Group, Darren Turner stated that the planned executive succession maintains strategic momentum across ongoing capital investments, including a new regional head office in the Hunter.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire team, we thank Bernadette for her exceptional leadership through a period of significant change and growth,” Darren 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. James knows NGM Group, our customers and our communities deeply, and brings more than 20 years of banking experience in Australia and the UK. 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.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer of NGM Group, Bernadette Inglis added that the customer-owned institution remains positioned for sustained growth across its core brands.

“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,” Bernadette said.

“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.”

Incoming Chief Executive Officer of NGM Group, James Cudmore noted that executive decisions will remain focused on regional customer outcomes.

“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,” James said.

“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.”

IMAGE | NGM Group CEO appointed successor James Cudmore