By Eric Johnston
Bank of Queensland senior executive Ram Kangatharan is leaving the bank, moving to an unspecified role.
Mr Kangatharan was appointed to the post of chief financial officer with BoQ in 2007, where he helped steer the bank through the global financial crisis.
In mid-2010, he was appointed to the role of chief operating officer, a move that investors widely saw as preparing him to eventually take charge from then chief executive David Liddy.
But late last year BoQ’s board opted to go outside the organisation, tapping former Commonwealth Bank executive Stuart Grimshaw to take the top job.
“If Ram thought being CFO in the middle of a GFC was confronting, managing the business through the Brisbane floods was a completely different challenge,’’ Mr Grimshaw said today.
‘‘Of course, Ram managed this challenge with the customary calm that we all admire and have grown accustomed.
“While we are disappointed to see Ram go, I understand his desire to move on to another challenge and wish him every success,’’ he said.
Mr Kangatharan described BoQ as a great organisation with great people.
‘‘As a shareholder, I will now cheer the BoQ team as they scale new heights,’’ he said.
ejohnston@fairfaxmedia.com.au