Warwick Credit Union on hunt for new CEO in September as Lewis von Stieglitz plans on stepping down

The top job at a major Warwick financial institution has been advertised, as a prominent community figure plans to step down from the role. But he’s got no plan of leaving town anytime soon.

A beloved community figure and financial guru has revealed he plans to step down from the top job in September, but has no plans on leaving the Rose City any time soon.

Lewis von Stieglitz has been the CEO of Warwick Credit Union for the past decade and involved in the company since he moved to Warwick 16 years ago.

Mr von Stieglitz said he was offered a position while living in Darwin, and the move made sense as he had family living in nearby Toowoomba.

“A job came up as a head of operations at a credit union in Warwick and so I thought, ‘let’s give that a go’,” he said.

“We came down on a freezing cold July day, which was a bit different to the Darwin climate, you could literally see the icicles hanging from the metal fence - it was unbelievably cold - and I suppose the rest is history.”

With more than 30 years in the finance industry, Mr von Stieglitz said the region has a strong community focus, which was set Warwick Credit Union apart from bigger competitors. 

Lewis von Stieglitz (Photo: file)

“It all comes down to being local, we’re very much a local business,” he said.

“I and many of the board all live locally and that’s important as money that comes into the district can stay in the district.

“We’re able to know the nuances of local people’s requirements and we know where places like Allora and Rosenthal Heights are and that makes such a difference.”

Mr von Stieglitz also has a strong community presence and can be found at many events all around the region and revealed his favourite memory of his time with the business.

“It’s not necessarily a banking memory but in 2011 during the serious floods we were the only financial institution in town to stay open the whole time,” he said.

Warwick in flood Photo John Towells / Warwick Daily News

“We led an appeal with the Warwick Daily News which raised a large amount of money to be distributed to local people, well over $100,000, which was available to people who needed a bit of help in the aftermath of those floods.”

Mr von Stieglitz said although he was sad to step away from the position, he’s excited for the opportunity for someone to work in the top job.

“When it’s time, it’s time, there’s no particular reason behind the decision, I’ll still be involved in the community,” he said.

“I’m excited to stay local, I’ve got very deep connections in the community and I'm proud to be a member of the community, so you’ll still see me around.

“I look on my time there sweetly, the credit union is in great shape and it’s a very good strong business that I’m just proud of, and I’m proud we can give back so much to the community.”