Bank director steps down after ‘outstanding’, nine year contribution

After nine years with Toowoomba’s Heritage Bank, a high-profile member of the board has announced he will be stepping down.

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

David Thorpe has provided a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Heritage Bank Director, but after nine years he has made the tough decision to step down from his position.

Mr Thorpe has sat on the Board of the Toowoomba-based Heritage Bank for almost nine years to the date, and also served on the board's Finance Committee and Audit Committee.

He was also the chair of the Risk and Compliance Committee.

He said in his nine years as director and over 30 years in the finance industry, the sector had experienced a number of groundbreaking changes that he had to navigate.

“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,” he 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 Kerry Betros said Mr Thorpe dedicated an incredible amount of time to the business, and thanked him for his 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 benefited 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.