Heritage Chairman reaches incredible 30-year milestone

1 May 2021

Heritage Bank Chairman, Kerry Betros AM, celebrates an impressive 30 years of service to Australia’s largest customer-owned bank.

Mr Betros joined the Board of the Toowoomba-based mutual on 1 May 1991 and after 20 years as a Director, was appointed as Deputy Chairman in 2011.

He became Chairman of Heritage in June 2012 and has been at the helm since, overseeing a strong period of growth and evolution for the customer-owned bank.

In fact, during Mr Betros’ tenure, Heritage has grown its total assets from just under $1 billion in 1991 to more than $11 billion today.

This is on top of his role as Managing Director of iconic Darling Downs-based family fruit and vegetable business Betros Bros.

His contribution to the business community has been recognised with the Centenary of Federation Medal, an Honorary Award of Doctor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) this year.

Mr Betros said he has seen enormous changes and growth in the organisation since he joined what was then Heritage Building Society.

A highlight was Heritage becoming a bank in 2011, and he is very proud of the fact that throughout his time with the organisation, Heritage has always put the needs and interests of members first. The ongoing commitment to support the communities Heritage serves and a range of charity partners is another proud accomplishment.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be part of the Heritage Board, and to work with so many outstanding people at all levels of the Bank,” Mr Betros said.

Heritage CEO Peter Lock paid tribute to Mr Betros’ service to Heritage over the past three decades.

“Kerry has made a remarkable contribution to Heritage Bank. His business acumen shines through and he always has the best interests of Heritage and our members at the forefront of his thinking,” Mr Lock said.

“His leadership has been instrumental in all of our major strategic decisions in recent times, with the establishment of the Heritage Bank Charitable Foundation and our branch expansion into Sydney just two of the proud moments he’s presided over in our 146-year history.

“Kerry is passionate about Heritage providing the best possible products and services for our members, and also about Heritage being a wonderful and rewarding place to work for all of our team members.

“Heritage is a much stronger bank thanks to Kerry’s influence over the past 30 years.”