Melanie Evans is the new chief executive of ING Bank Australia, replacing Uday Sareen. Ms Evans joined ING in 2017 as the head of its retail bank and was “instrumental” in its growth to become the fifth-largest main financial institution.
“Melanie is a very experienced banker with a proven track record who will continue to drive ING’s growth and diversification agenda,” said chair Dr John Laker AO.
“Her appointment is testament to all that Melanie has achieved for the retail bank and its customers.”
Ms Evans entered the financial services with a cadetship at St. George Bank in 1995, and joined Westpac’s equities business in 2000. She spent a decade in product, brand, marketing, superannuation and investments leaderships at BT after moving there in 2003, before returning to Westpac as chief of staff and leading business units across mortgages and business banking.
“As ING’s new CEO in Australia my focus will be to drive the bank’s growth and diversification agenda,” Ms Evans said.
“I will continue to prioritise our customers and team members. Our history as Australia’s first fintech, most recommended bank, a trusted brand and for doing things differently will remain front and centre. We’re proud of what makes us a modern bank. We exist for our customers – so they can focus on the things that matter to them.”
Her predecessor, Mr Sareen, has now been promoted to head of wholesale banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa after a four-year stint as CEO in which he oversaw substantial growth as the bank almost doubled its customer base to 2.7 million.
“I’ve been proud to lead a bank that’s ramped up the competitive spirit in both retail and wholesale banking, offering a real alternative for Australians,” Mr Sareen said.
“While we are a leading digital bank it is the commitment of our people to our customers and each other that makes ING so special and what I will miss most. ING Australia is one of the fastest growing banks in Australia and continues to be a great opportunity for ING Group.”
Both appointments are effective 16 November. Mr Sareen will relocate to Europe for his new role.
