BoQ names ex-UBS executive director as business banking chief and appoints new board member; Allianz makes two senior leadership appointments, including a new people chief.
Executive
◼️ The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has appointed Julian Russell as Group Executive Business Bank, with the challenger institution hailing the appointment of a “non-traditional banker”.
Russell joins BOQ Group from vehicle novated leasing and management firm FleetPartners (formerly Eclipx), where he served as Group Chief Executive.
BOQ noted Russel’s leadership in the “highly successful turnaround of the [FleetPartners] since joining the business in 2019. He left the role in late 2023, taking an extended break from industry.
Prior to joining FleetPartners, Russell held senior positions at UBS in Australia and Merrill Lynch in Ireland. At UBS, he served as Co-Head of Financial Institutions Group, leading significant M&A transactions and capital raisings for banks, insurers, and other financial services companies.
BOQ Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Patrick Allaway recognised Russell as a “seasoned executive with a proven track record in leading complex organisations through transformations and returning them to profitable growth”.
“I am very optimistic about the future of the Business Bank under Julian’s leadership, building on BOQ’s record of delivering exceptional outcomes for our business customers.
Allaway added: “We have deliberately selected a non-traditional banker for this role. Julian’s finance and commercial background will bring a fresh perspective to optimising returns in increasingly competitive markets”.
Russel commences with BOQ on 22 April.
◼️ Allianz Australia has appointed Julie Mitchell as Chief General Manager Commercial.
Mitchell steps over to Allianz’s Commercial team after 25 years within the insurance group’s Personal Injury Division, including the last six years as Chief General Manager, Personal Injury.
Allianz recognised Mitchell’s “strong industry relationships and strategic mindset… [which] position her well to lead the Commercial team into the future”.
Mitchell replaces Phuong Ly who is set to move to the role of Commercial Managing Director at Allianz Commercial UK.
Mark Pittman, GM Government Services, will step in as Acting Chief General Manager Personal Injury while a permanent replacement is confirmed.
Mitchell in her new role said she “[looked] forward to collaborating with insurance brokers and continuing to support Australian businesses.”
As well, Allianz has appointed Anna Stavropoulos, formerly GM People Advisory, Talent and Learning, as its new Chief People and Culture Officer.
Stavropoulos replaces Vicky Drakousis who has been appointed Global Chief People and Culture Officer for Allianz’s tech solutions arm AZ Tech, based in Munich.
Allianz recognised Stavropoulos extensive HR leadership experience within the financial services industry over her 20 year career.
“[Over] the past five years since joining Allianz, she has spearheaded innovative strategies in employee wellbeing, talent acquisition, and learning and development.
“Anna is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and belonging, and her engaging and inclusive leadership style is widely recognised.”
Stavropoulos for her part said she was “excited to continue to build a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and customer obsession that drives our collective success and strengthens our commitment to excellence”.
Both appointments are effective from 1 April.
Board
◼️ The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has appointed Paul Riordan as a Non-Executive Director of BOQ, effective from 16 April 2025.
Riordan currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).
A seasoned leader, Riordan brings more than 40 years’ experience in financial services, covering both revenue-generating divisions and risk management functions, including in his most recent executive role as Group Chief Credit & Market Risk Officer at NAB. He was also previously Chief Risk Officer, Institutional & Business Banking at CBA.
BOQ Chair Warwick Negus said he was “delighted” to confirm the appointment of Riordan to the BOQ Board, noting his “deep expertise across corporate governance, risk management, financial markets, treasury and payments infrastructure.”
Riordan’s appointment will be voted upon by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 2 December 2025.