Heritage Bank Director to stand down after nine years’ service

15 April 2021

Heritage Bank Director David Thorpe today announced his decision to step down from the Board, with next week’s monthly meeting to be his last.

Mr Thorpe has sat on the Board of the Toowoomba-based Heritage Bank for almost exactly nine years, having been appointed a Director on 18 April 2012.

Mr Thorpe served on the Board’s Finance Committee and Audit Committee, and has been Chair of the Risk and Compliance Committee since 2014. 

He brought a wealth of experience in the finance industry to his role at Heritage, having previously been Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Association of Permanent Building Societies for over 20 years as well as holding executive positions in both the private and public sector.  

Mr Thorpe said the genuine commitment of everyone at Heritage to the members they served, despite the challenges of a rapidly changing environment, made him proud to have served on the Board.

“We have seen many changes in the 30 years I have been in the finance industry - increased technology, products, competition and compliance, as well as challenging economic cycles and the pandemic,” Mr Thorpe said.

“Two things stand out for me at Heritage Bank: the skill, adaptability and collaboration of the people; and the genuine customer service ethic of the Board and staff.  These qualities in particular have made it a pleasure and privilege to be a Director of the Bank.” 

Heritage Bank Chairman Mr Kerry Betros thanked Mr Thorpe for his dedicated service.

“David has made an outstanding contribution to Heritage during his time on the Board,” Mr Betros said.

“He is absolutely committed to the ideals of the customer-owned movement and that ethos shone through in his decision-making on the Board.

“David was meticulous in his approach to the role of Director and was always extremely well briefed and informed on the issues we faced. 

“Heritage benefitted immensely from his wise counsel and deep expertise in the financial industry, particularly in his leadership of our Risk and Compliance Committee.”

Heritage will not immediately appoint a new Director to fill the vacancy left by Mr Thorpe’s departure. They will take the time needed to identify a suitable replacement with the right skills and capabilities to help take Heritage forward.