Former UDC general manager of dealer business Don Atkinson has been confirmed as the companies new chief executive officer.
Atkinson will take on the role from March 1, while current chief executive Wayne Percival will join the board as a non-executive director.
Chairman, Dr David Morgan says the UDC Board is very pleased with the appointment of Don Atkinson to lead UDC.
“This was a carefully designed succession plan and the Board have significant confidence in Don to lead UDC,” Morgan says. “Don has been with UDC for over 20 years, during which time he has worked across the business including as Head of Lending, Head of Risk, GM of Dealer and most recently Chief Operating Officer.
Atkinson, well known to dealer customers, is excited to lead the brand and build on its history.
“We’re a relationship business so I look forward to working with our customers and building the finance solutions they need for the future.”
Percival steps down after more than seven years in the role. During this time, he oversaw a number of significant events, including the sale of UDC by ANZ to SBI Shinsei Bank and growth of the lending book from $2.3 Billion to over $4 Billion.
Morgan is keen to have Percival’s experience on the board.
“Having Wayne join the UDC Board as a Non-Executive Director will enable UDC to continue benefiting from his significant asset finance experience. In addition to his time as CEO, Wayne spent 20 years in various leadership roles at ANZ Bank in both Australia and New Zealand.”
Percival says it has been a privilege to lead the company.
“It has been a privilege to lead UDC and I’m really pleased with the shape our business is in. I look forward to joining the Board and continuing to support UDC’s growth as the business enters this new chapter.
President and CEO of SBI Shinsei Bank, Katsuya Kawashima, says, “We are supportive of the Board’s decision, Don has a fantastic understanding of the business and UDC is a valuable member of the SBI Shinsei Bank Group. I am also pleased to welcome Wayne with his broad experience on to the UDC Board.”
