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Beyond Bank has announced the appointment of John Evans as its new chair, effective immediately, succeeding outgoing chair Sam Andersen.
Evans brings more than 40 years’ experience to the customer-owned lender, including executive roles across business, finance, and risk management, both in Australia and internationally, including a stint as partner at big four consultancy firm, KPMG Australia.
His appointment follows Andersen’s decision to step down from the role she has held since 2018, announced at the mutual’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday (24 November).
At the time of the announcement, Andersen paid tribute to her successor.
“John is an exceptional choice to lead the Bank as it continues on its path of robust growth and expansion,” she said.
“He is a world-class executive who has had a long and esteemed career in the financial services sector and is deeply committed to the strategy and values of Beyond Bank.
“Combine that with John’s deep understanding of mutual organisations, their unique challenges and opportunities and there is no doubt the Bank will be in very safe hands under his stewardship.”
She also commented on Beyond Bank’s achievements during her tenure.
“Together with the Board and executive team, my commitment has been to safeguard and grow all that makes Beyond Bank exceptional, ensuring its long-term sustainability,” she added.
“Since 2013, against the prevailing headwinds in financial services, Beyond Bank has trebled its assets to $11 billion, doubled member capital to nearly $780 million and strengthened its capital adequacy ratio from 16.1 per cent to 16.6 per cent.
“We’ve expanded our community investment year on year and now partner with over 6,700 organisations across Australia, proof that performance and purpose can grow hand in hand and I am deeply proud of the way our team has delivered with integrity, purpose, and care.”
Meanwhile, Evans said it was an honour to be appointed chair.
“It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Beyond Bank. It is proudly a mutual bank with a unique commitment to its members and to the communities in which those members live, work and play,” said Evans.
“My priority will be to ensure that Beyond Bank continues to grow and to build on the great foundation that its members, past and present, have established, so that it remains well positioned to serve its current and new members and their communities, all around Australia, well into the future.”
At its AGM, Beyond Bank also announced the appointments of Helen Thornton and Christine Yates as non-executive directors, with the pair commencing on 25 November 2025 and 1 February 2026, respectively.
[Related: New CEO announced at Beyond Bank]