Lexi Airey will take over from Mr Thomas who, after 14 years at the helm, retires as Gateway’s longest serving CEO.
Ms Airey joined Gateway four years ago as Gateway’s first Chief Customer Officer, overseeing a wide remit and a singular view of the customer. Her current role encompasses customer experience, lending and transactional operations, strategic alliances, brand, marketing, sales, product and pricing.
“Lexi’s appointment from Chief Customer Officer to CEO demonstrates Gateway’s commitment to putting the customer first, and people before profit,” Catherine Hallinan, chair, Gateway, said.
“Over the last four years Lexi has contributed across the business as a driving force behind our customer experience strategy, building new innovative partnerships and elevating our brand.”
Ms Hallinan thanked Mr Thomas for his contribution, saying he steered Gateway through a period of great change.
“Paul’s mandate from the board when he started in March 2005 was to reinvent Gateway,” Ms Hallinan said.
“Along the way, he had to contend with the loss of our membership bond and the impact of the Global Financial Crisis. Gateway now has assets of over $1 billion and world-class levels of customer satisfaction.”
“There could not be a more exciting time to take on this opportunity,” Ms Airey said.
“In the midst of the royal commission, now more than ever, Gateway can demonstrate its customer-centricity and genuine empathy for the customer.”
