- Fran Raymond retires at Annual General Meeting as Chair and leaves Defence Bank Board.
- Bruce Murphy elected new Chair, continuing his involvement on the Board since 2012.
- New Directors Vicki Hartley and Commodore Letitia (“Tish”) van Stralen, AM, CSC, RAN appointed.
- With the new appointments Defence Bank maintains two serving ADF personnel on the Board, a unique point of difference across Australia’s banking sector.
- Director Ian Murray leaves the Board to take up an overseas posting in Washington.
Defence Bank today announced two new Directors, maintaining a deep connection with the Australian Defence Force and a unique point of difference across Australia’s banking sector.
New Directors Vicki Hartley and Commodore Letitia (Tish) van Stralen AM, CSC, RAN were elected at the Annual General Meeting in Melbourne.
Defence Bank Chief Executive David Marshall said he was proud of the new team which had a singular focus unmatched anywhere else and a drive and commitment to build on the strong results delivered for FY 2021/22.
“We are united by serving those who protect us and delivering products and services tailored for defence life and beyond. We understand better than any financial institution the ins and outs of defence service and I’m pleased to say our Board also reflects this experience and broad skillset.
“I’d like to thank retiring Chair Fran Raymond for her dedication and commitment to our Board and thank her for her leadership, collaboration and drive for our members and their Bank over the last 12 years.
“Current director Bruce Murphy takes on the role as Chair and I look forward to working with him more closely.
“I also thank outgoing Director Rear Admiral Ian Murray who leaves the Board to take up an overseas posting in Washington.
“A warm welcome to our new Directors Vicki Hartley and Commodore Letitia (Tish) van Stralen.
“Everyone at Defence Bank should be very proud we have such diverse and strong leadership at Board level, with an enviable record of professional and community service including strong representation of women on our Board.
“Our new team retains a unique point of difference, with two Directors serving members of the ADF, bringing a first-hand perspective of selfless service for our country and the banking service our members require in their busy lives.”
New Director Letitia (‘Tish’) van Stralen AM, CSC, RAN has been a Defence Bank member since 2000.
With 27 years’ service in the Australian Defence Force, she is currently Chief of Staff at Navy Headquarters and a Senior Defence Legal Officer.
“It is an absolute privilege, particularly as a member of the Australian Defence Force and long-term member of Defence Bank. I am passionate about supporting our Defence people, and I bring experience in understanding the challenges our Defence members face in their Service and in supporting their families.”
Vicki Hartley has over 30 years of accounting roles. She has strong technical expertise in the implementation of new accounting standards and regulatory requirements and exposure to fintech in the mortgages space. Vicki has a strong focus on community and for purpose roles alongside her executive career.
“I'm very honoured to be appointed as a Director of Defence Bank. I am a strong believer in the importance of financial independence, and I look forward to applying my skills and expertise to ensure the best outcomes for our members on this path.”
At the AGM, Chair Fran Raymond formally retired from the Board after 12 years of service. Bruce Murphy was elected new Chair, continuing his involvement on the Board since 2012. He started his career in the Royal Australian Navy, serving as an officer from 1982 to 1990 and has extensive financial services experience across retail banking.
Director Rear Admiral Ian Murray leaves the Board to take up an overseas posting in Washington.
Watch a short video recapping the highlights of our 2022 AGM where these events took place.
