Bankwest appoints new MD

Bankwest has appointed Sinead Taylor as the first female to lead the organisation after Rowan Munchenberg announced today he would step down from the role.

Ms Taylor, who joined Bankwest in 2013, will transition from executive general manager of personal and business banking to managing director.

She previously held roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia - which acquired Bankwest in 2008 - as general manager of local business banking and general manager of strategy and channel management.

Ms Taylor replaces Mr Munchenberg who held the position of managing director for three years.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia group executive Angus Sullivan said the new appointment shows Bankwest’s commitment to developing high calibre leaders.

“Sinead has a clear focus on improving customers’ financial wellbeing,” Mr Sullivan said.

“I have no doubt she will continue this focus in her new role, leading a business that has strengthened under the stewardship of Rowan (Munchenberg) and his team.”

Ms Taylor said the company is in a strong position to continue to meet the changing needs of its customers and grow the brand and business in WA and nationwide.

“We’re sending a clear signal of our intent to be bold and different in our customer focus with innovations such as the Bankwest Halo ring, in-app messaging, home loan digital signing, a multi-year Bankwest Stadium partnership in Western Sydney and our Bank Less brand positioning,” she said.

“We intend to maintain our 124-year support for the prosperity of the communities and economy of WA through key partnerships and sponsorships.”

Ms Taylor is currently a board member for the West Australian Ballet.

Mr Munchenberg, who stepped down as managing director to explore new opportunities, said now was the right time for a new leader.

“We’ve refocused Bankwest to ensure customer needs remain at our core in today’s rapidly changing digital world," he said.

"(Ms Taylor) will do an exceptional job in leading Bankwest forward."