The Mutual Bank’s long-serving CEO, Geoff Seccombe has announced his plans to retire after more than 30 years with the Hunter-based bank.

Geoff announced at the member-owned bank’s 2022 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29 September that he had asked the Board to start the process to find his replacement, as he officially signalled his intention to retire.

Chair of The Mutual Bank’s Board, Steve Meyn said Geoff’s shoes would be difficult to fill but the planned retirement would allow a seamless transition once the right candidate for the role is found. Steve praised Geoff’s leadership over a period of extraordinary growth for The Mutual Bank.

“Geoff is only our seventh CEO in our rich 134-year history and under his steady leadership we have achieved consistent, sustainable growth,” Steve said.

Geoff started his banking career with the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (now NAB) in 1974. In 1989 he joined the team of nine people at the Maitland Mutual Building Society which then managed assets of $20 million.

He was appointed CEO of Maitland Mutual Building Society (now The Mutual Bank) in 1994. The Mutual Bank now employs 100 people and manages assets of more than $1 billion.

Geoff said it has been a privilege to be the CEO of the member-owned bank, working with some incredible Board Directors and team members over the years to assist members achieve their goals.

“The Mutual Bank is embedded in Maitland’s rich history, and I am so proud to have played a part in this organisation’s story since the eighties,” Geoff said.

“I have loved hearing the members’ stories, helping where we could during tough times and sharing in the celebrations and the wins.”

He said, as a member-owned bank, the profits go back into better banking products for members and assisting the community through sponsorships.

This aligned well with his own dedication to community service. Geoff has held various company director positions and has been involved in many local charitable and community organisations over the years.

Recently he was awarded both a Paul Harris Fellowship and a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin in recognition of his contribution to Rotary.

Geoff said he was confident The Mutual Bank is in safe hands for members well into the future.

“The Mutual Bank is led by an exceptionally qualified and professional Board, committed and talented managers and a team whose very heart and soul is behind every success we have achieved.”

Geoff said he had seen remarkable changes in the banking industry and the Maitland and Hunter Region over his career. He thanked all members for their continued support of The Mutual Bank

IMAGE | Retiring CEO of The Mutual Bank, Geoff Seccombe