NGM Group has appointed non-executive director Darren Turner (pictured left) as chair elect, with his term to begin on 1 March as current chair Samantha Martin‑Williams (pictured right) steps down after 13 years on the boards of Newcastle Permanent and NGM Group.
Turner, a former PwC partner and proud Novocastrian, has spent more than 40 years working across strategy, governance and financial risk, and has already built strong mutual banking ties through senior roles with both Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent.
He is currently chair of Hunter Medical Research Institute and holds director roles at Varley Group and Phoenix Health Fund, as well as other private, public and not‑for‑profit organisations.
Turner said he was honoured to be appointed to the position.
“NGM Group has a proud legacy and an exciting future, and I’m looking forward to working with the board and executive team in this new role, to continue to deliver value to our customers and invest in our communities,” he said.
“Sam has led NGM Group with heart, and the impact of her leadership can be seen across the organisation.
“Taking on this role after Sam is a privilege and I’m committed to carrying forward the standards, value and sense of purpose she has championed.”
Rod Jackson will continue in the deputy chair role at NGM Group, drawing on significant financial services and international business experience, along with more than 15 years serving on financial services and not‑for‑profit boards.
Martin‑Williams will conclude her tenure on 28 February, capping more than a decade of board service and record growth for the customer‑owned group.
She joined Newcastle Permanent’s board in 2012 as its first female director and transitioned to the NGM Group board following the 2023 merger with Greater Bank. She became the organisation’s first female chair in 2024.
During her time as chair, NGM Group outpaced every other mutual bank in Australia for growth and delivered record investment in technology and innovation. The customer-owned bank now serves about 650,000 Australians, manages $23 billion in assets, and puts more than $6 million a year into local communities.
Reflecting on her tenure, Martin‑Williams said she was grateful for the opportunity to serve Newcastle Permanent and NGM Group for more than 10 years.
“This organisation has gone from strength to strength over the past 13 years and I am incredibly proud to have played a part,” she said.
“Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand in our branches, our contact centres, and our corporate offices the dedication and passion of our team, and it is so rewarding to see the positive impact we have made on our customers and communities.
“I have no doubt that with Darren at the helm NGM Group will continue to thrive, guided by its customer-first values and focus on supporting regional Australians and their communities.”
NGM Group managing director and CEO Bernadette Inglis said Martin‑Williams’ leadership, combined with Turner’s extensive experience, leaves the board strongly positioned for the future.
“Sam has played a key role in helping scale NGM Group into the organisation that it is today, applying best practice contemporary governance while ensuring that our purpose and our people have remained front and centre during our evolution,” Inglis said.
“Darren’s long history with regional communities, strategic capability and understanding of our purpose will be invaluable in guiding us through our next phase of growth as we strengthen our position as Australia’s leading customer-owned bank.”
The appointment follows NGM Group’s completion of a record $500 million five-year floating rate senior unsecured issue, which attracted about $1.14 billion in orders from domestic and international investors and further reinforces its long-term funding strategy.
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