Westpac Foundation welcomes new CEO

Westpac Foundation has announced Acting CEO Amy Lyden will formally step into the role of CEO, effective July 2022. The appointment follows former CEO Susan Bannigan’s retirement from corporate life after 26 years at Westpac Group, including the past 12 years at the helm of Westpac Foundation.

 

Amy joined the Foundations team as Scholarship Program Director in 2015 and was appointed Acting CEO in April 2021. She brings to the role over 25 years’ experience across corporate, foundations, SME, and not-for-profit sectors as a senior manager, founder and CEO in Australia and North America, including as the inaugural CEO of the Australian Scholarships Foundation.

 

Westpac Foundation Chair Jim Tate says appointing a CEO from within the team will only help to further the Foundation’s mission to help social enterprises create jobs and opportunities for people overcoming barriers to work.  

 

“We’re thrilled to appoint someone of Amy’s calibre to the role of CEO, and the fact that she has worked with the team for the past seven years is icing on the cake.

 

“Susan transformed the strategy of the Foundation to create an unwavering focus on job creation for some of the most disadvantaged Australians. The team, including Amy, is committed to continuing Susan’s legacy to create greater access to mainstream employment.”

 

As Co-Chair of Philanthropy Australia’s Corporate Giving Network, Amy understands the impact of corporate philanthropy beyond funding and the importance of continuing the Foundation’s progress in this area.

 

“Westpac Foundation has a long-term commitment to our social enterprise partners, walking alongside them as they scale and grow,” she says.

 

“Being connected to one of Australia’s largest companies, we’ve been able to bring people power to those relationships and introduce our partners to a wealth of corporate skills and networks from across Westpac Group.

 

“I’m passionate about continuing to build these relationships and help nurture the social enterprise ecosystem to create even greater impact, together.”

 

The Westpac Foundation Board thanks Susan for her leadership and countless positive outcomes she’s helped deliver for the Foundation, her team and the individuals and organisations she’s worked with over her tenure.