CBA appoints new Group Executive

The Commonwealth Bank has announced the appointment of Priscilla Sims Brown to the newly-created role of group executive marketing and corporate affairs, effective 1 August 2019.

The appointment follows the retirement of Anna Lenahan, group general counsel and group executive group corporate affairs, which the bank said offered it the opportunity to review and separate the responsibilities of the role, and create two new roles: group executive marketing and corporate affairs, awarded to Priscilla Sims Brown; and group general counsel and governance, which is yet to be filled.

Priscilla Sims Brown is currently CEO of Emerge.me, a US start-up digital healthcare platform that she joined in 2017. Prior to this, she was senior vice president and chief marketing officer at AXA Financial in the US.

Commenting on her appointment, Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn said: "In addition to her marketing and corporate affairs expertise, Priscilla has an impressive track record of driving ambitious growth and customer transformation agendas, particularly during challenging periods.

He added: "Priscilla's appointment will help us continue the changes and improvements we need to make to earn the trust of our customers and the community and build a better bank for the future."

The appointment of the new group general counsel and governance is expected to be made soon. In the interim, David Cohen, deputy CEO, will also assume the responsibility of group general counsel, as well as responsibility for group corporate affairs until Priscilla Sims Brown commences.