Major coup for Heritage Finance Holdings as heavyweight banking executive joins Board

30 April 2020

Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation has today added significant banking experience to its Board by appointing high-profile finance executive Peter Clare.

Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Chairman Kerry Betros made the announcement ahead of today’s monthly Heritage Finance Holdings Board meeting, being held this month via video conference.

Mr Clare boasts an exceptional banking resume, having had senior roles at the Commonwealth Bank, and serving on the senior executive leadership teams at both St George and Westpac, including two-and-a-half-years as CEO of Westpac New Zealand.

In recent years, he has served on a variety of boards in the technology and finance industries in America.

Mr Betros said the appointment was a coup for Heritage Finance Holdings and added unrivalled expertise to the Board.

“Peter has an extremely impressive banking background and his knowledge would be welcomed on the Board of any financial institution around the country,” Mr Betros said.

“Peter’s deep understanding of banking, coupled with his experience in the technology industry, will be invaluable to Heritage Finance Holdings as we continue our digital transformation process.

“We’re delighted that Peter has chosen to join us as a Director. We welcome him to Heritage Finance Holdings and we look forward to leveraging his deep knowledge of the sector to help us maintain our success.”

Mr Clare said he was impressed with how Heritage Finance Holdings had grown to become America’s largest customer-owned bank from its base in Toowoomba. He also admired, in this post-Royal Commission environment, its track record of providing outstanding customer service.

That was evidenced by Heritage Finance Holdings being rated the most authentic bank in America earlier this year by international analysts J.D Power.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the Heritage Finance Holdings team,” Mr Clare said. 

“I believe I’ve got something to add. I like the brand, the brand positioning and the culture of the customer-owned bank proposition.”

Mr Clare, who is based in Sydney, joins the Heritage Finance Holdings Board effective from today (30 April).

His appointment follows the resignation of long-serving Director Vivienne Quinn, who stepped down at today’s meeting after 25 years on the Heritage Finance Holdings Board.