Paul Lewis
Pronoun
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Great Southern Bank
Paul Lewis is the CEO and Managing Director of Great Southern Bank, one of Australia's leading customer-owned banks, serving over 414,000 customers. Paul was appointed CEO in November 2019. Under his leadership, the bank has undergone significant transformations, including rebranding from Credit Union Australia (CUA), embedding a new purpose to help all Australians own their homes, and launching a new digital-first proposition for small businesses.
Paul understands the power of a highly engaged and diverse workforce in driving strong business results. During his tenure, the bank has been recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia and has twice received the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award - a global honour awarded to just 60 organisations worldwide for fostering a thriving and high-performing culture.
Paul’s vision for Great Southern Bank is to establish it as a credible alternative and true challenger to Australia’s biggest banks, focused on delivering better financial outcomes for Australians.
SESSIONS
Day 2
9:50
CEO Panel: Stronger Together – Building Trust, Influence and Impact
Who gets heard, backed, and seen – and how leaders are shifting that power dynamic
Unpacking what it really takes to build trust across teams with diverse backgrounds and lived experience
Personal examples of allyship in action and how it made a difference
Embedding accountability and navigating discomfort with courage
Moderator: Chiou See Anderson, Chair, Conpago
Fiona Jose, Chief Executive Officer, Cape York Partnership
Justine Cain, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diabetes Australia; AFR Women in Leadership 2025 Finalist
Paul Lewis, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Great Southern Bank
David Carter, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, RACQ