People First Bank deputy chairman Kerry Betros steps down from role after 33 years on board

For more than three decades he helped to grow the institution from a humble building society to become a large lender, opening the door to home ownership for thousands of Australians.

Former Heritage Bank board chairman Kerry Betros has retired from his role as People First Bank deputy chairman.

After serving for 33 years, first on the Heritage Building Society board and later on the board of the newly-formed People First Bank, Kerry Betros has stepped down from his role as deputy chairman.

While Mr Betros’ departure was announced several months ago, he formally stood down at the bank’s AGM on November 14.

Mr Betros’ service to People First Bank started in May 1991, when he joined the board of what was then the Heritage Building Society, rising to the position of chairman in 2012.

He maintained that role until 2023 when the Toowoomba bank merged with Adelaide’s People’s Choice to create the People First Bank, where he has since held the role of deputy chairman.

Along with his service to the bank, Mr Betros is an active member of the Betros Bros grocery business, serves as director of St Vincent’s Private Hospital and has received an Honorary Doctorate of Business from the University of Southern Queensland.

People First Bank chairman Michael Cameron thanked Mr Betros for his service.

“Kerry has made an outstanding contribution to the success of People First Bank and has created a remarkable legacy, both within this organisation and in the wider community,” he said.

“Throughout his three decades of service on the board, he has always championed the best interests of our customers and the communities they live in.”