SBS Bank CEO Wins Leadership Honour
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- Mark McLean awarded Leader of the Year at Cooperative Business NZ Awards.
- SBS Bank surpasses industry growth rates under McLean’s three-year leadership.
- Recognition highlights transformational growth and focus on cooperative values.
Mark McLean, Group Chief Executive of SBS Bank, has been honoured as Leader of the Year at the 2024 Cooperative Business New Zealand Awards. The event, held in Christchurch, celebrates outstanding achievements and leadership within the cooperative sector.
SBS Bank Chairman Joe O’Connell highlighted McLean’s transformational leadership during his three-year tenure, where he has driven significant growth while staying true to the bank’s 155-year cooperative legacy.
“Mark is a dedicated leader, focused heavily on transformational growth as we adapt and embrace change to ensure we are able to provide the very best products and services to our members,” said O’Connell.
Under McLean’s guidance, SBS Bank has delivered exceptional results, including outperforming industry growth rates. In the past year, the bank’s home lending grew 2.5 times faster than the industry average, and deposits increased at 1.2 times the average rate. The bank also welcomed 6,650 new members, reinforcing its strong community ties and mutual ownership ethos.
McLean’s leadership has prioritised technological innovation, staff engagement, and customer-centred services. “This award is testament to his great vision for the cooperative model and commitment to our founding principles as a mutual-owned bank, owned by our members and here for New Zealanders,” O’Connell added.
McLean expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Quite frankly, I’m humbled to be singled out and consider this to be a reflection of the hard work of the entire SBS team and their commitment to delivering great outcomes for our members every day.”
Cooperative Business New Zealand also praised McLean’s impact, stating, “As Group CEO of SBS Bank, Mark has revitalised the bank’s mission, focusing on its heritage as a member-owned mutual dedicated to helping New Zealanders achieve homeownership.”
SBS Bank’s transformation under McLean includes expanding its focus beyond its South Island roots, growing its presence as one of New Zealand’s most-loved, Kiwi-owned banks.