Bank of Sydney has promoted chief marketing officer Maria Karavias into the newly created role of chief customer officer (CCO) as part of an executive leadership reshuffle that also saw Stella Grilis appointed chief financial officer (CFO) and Caroline Ferris named head of transformation and strategy.
Karavias, who joined Bank of Sydney as CMO in 2023, will now oversee the bank’s broader customer strategy, with responsibility spanning brand, marketing, product and customer experience. The creation of the CCO role signals the bank’s increased focus on customer experience as a key driver of growth and differentiation.
Bank of Sydney told B&T Karavias’ CCO role is an extention to her CMO role.
CEO Kieran McKenna said the appointments recognised leaders who had already made significant contributions to the bank.
“These appointments recognise highly respected leaders who have already made significant contributions to Bank of Sydney, which is more important than ever as we enter this next phase of growth.
“Stella, Maria and Caroline have all played important roles in our transformation journey, and these appointments demonstrate the strength of our team and our commitment to developing leaders from within the organisation.”
Grilis, who has spent more than two decades at Bank of Sydney, steps into the CFO role after serving as acting CFO. During her tenure, she has held senior positions across finance, treasury, credit and risk.
Meanwhile, Ferris has been appointed head of transformation and strategy after leading the successful delivery of the bank’s core banking transformation program, described by Bank of Sydney as the largest transformation initiative in its history.
She will report to chief operating officer Geoff Wenborn.
