Bendigo Bank has appointed former HSBC UK executive Christopher Dean as its new Chief Customer Officer for Consumer Banking, with the Melbourne-based role beginning in September.
Dean joins the bank’s executive team after more than 20 years in banking, bringing experience in retail banking, customer experience, digital transformation and branch network leadership. He previously served as Managing Director and Head of Retail Banking, Wealth and Mortgage Distribution at HSBC UK, following 14 years in senior leadership positions at Barclays across consumer and business banking.
Bendigo Bank chief executive Richard Fennell said Dean’s experience would support the bank’s focus on improving customer-facing services and digital banking capabilities.
He said Dean had extensive experience leading large branch networks and driving growth while maintaining strong risk outcomes.
Dean will oversee the bank’s consumer and retail banking businesses, with responsibility for customer experience, service delivery and business growth across the retail division.
His appointment comes as Australian banks continue investing in digital platforms and customer service improvements, while balancing technology upgrades with branch and community banking services.
Dean said Bendigo Bank’s history of innovation was a major factor in his decision to join the organisation. He pointed to the bank’s Community Bank model, the development of the digital bank Up, and recent investments in lending and customer onboarding technology.
He said he looked forward to building on the bank’s existing strengths and accelerating its digital capabilities to better serve retail customers and strengthen customer relationships.
Bendigo Bank has around 2.9 million customers across Australia.
Dean will be based in Melbourne and officially take up the role in September. Adam Rowse, who has been acting in the position, will return to his role as Chief Customer Officer for Business and Agribusiness.
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