Darlene Mattiske-Wood takes on CEO position at Australian Military Bank

New CEO signs on at Australian Military Bank The Chairman of the Australian Military Bank, John Brooks, has welcomed new CEO Darlene Mattiske-Wood, replacing John Ford who exits the business after seven years in the role. “We are delighted to welcome Darlene to the bank and look forward to her leadership building on our substantial steps forward in digital innovation and member experience” says Brooks. Ms Mattiske-Wood brings over twenty years’ experience in executive leadership to Australian Military Bank with fifteen years’ experience in the Mutual sector, and has served as Deputy CEO for People’s Choice Credit Union since 2016. She has also held several Board positions including current director with COBA (Customer Owned Banking Association) and previous Chair of Mutual Market Place representing People’s Choice in the Joint Venture Procurement Company between CUA and People’s Choice. Commenting on her appointment Ms Mattiske-Wood said, “We are member-owned, our purpose for being is ‘our members’ and we have a tremendous contribution to make to the financial wellbeing of our ownership. There is no confusion about our key objective or which stakeholders we serve. We are member-first and this clarity will be informing all dimensions of my leadership of Australian Military Bank” says Ms Mattiske-Wood. Ms Mattiske Wood assumes executive control of Australian Military Bank following its recent 60th anniversary celebrations. She concludes, “The chance to serve our members is a privilege not a right and I regard a legacy of 60 years’ service and our members trust as our most valuable asset”. The Australian Military Bank is a member-owned Mutual bank that has been operating since 1959, when it was founded as the Navy (Civil Staff) Co-op. Ltd. It specialises in service and products that integrate into the unique aspects of life in the armed services, and in 2008 was selected by Department of Defence as one of three DHOAS home loan providers while it was known as the Australian Defence Credit Union. As of 2020 the bank has 50,000 members.