NICU announces executive appointments to support future growth

Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU) has announced two executive appointments as part of its continued focus on strengthening customer experience, organisational capability and sustainable growth.

Daniel Smallwood will join NICU as Executive General Manager Distribution and Channels from 1 June, while Michelle Hemingway commenced as Chief Marketing Officer in early May with responsibility across marketing, customer and product.

The appointments reflect NICU’s continued investment in building a modern, customer-focused mutual while remaining grounded in the trusted personal service and community connection that have defined the organisation for more than 50 years.

NICU Chief Executive Officer Mark Smyth said the appointments strengthen key areas across the organisation as customer expectations and the banking environment continue to evolve.

“As a customer-owned organisation, our focus remains firmly on delivering trusted banking experiences that support our customers and communities both now and into the future, ” Mr Smyth said.

“These appointments strengthen important areas across our business including distribution, customer experience, product, service delivery and customer engagement.

“While digital capability and technology continue to evolve, we believe genuine relationships, personal service and strong community connection remain just as important. Our focus is on ensuring we continue to balance both.

”Mr Smyth said Mr Smallwood brings extensive banking and leadership experience, alongside a strong understanding of regional communities and customer relationships.

“Daniel brings deep lending and credit expertise, strong commercial capability and a genuine commitment to customer outcomes,” he said.

“He is recognised for building high-performing teams, supporting banker capability and leading with a strong customer-first mindset.

”Prior to joining NICU, Mr Smallwood held senior leadership roles across private banking and commercial banking, where he was responsible for portfolio growth, credit quality, customer outcomes and capability development. Most recently, he served as Director Corporate Performance and Chief Financial Officer at Liverpool Plains Shire Council, leading organisational transformation and strategic planning initiatives at executive level.

Mr Smyth said Ms Hemingway’s appointment reflects NICU’s continued focus on strengthening how customer insight, product strategy and customer experience work together to support long-term relevance and growth.

“Michelle brings extensive experience across customer growth, brand, digital, product and customer engagement,” he said.

“Her remit across marketing, customer and product will help strengthen how we connect customer needs with the products, services and experiences we deliver, while supporting the continued evolution of NICU as a modern customer-owned bank.”

Ms Hemingway joins NICU with almost two decades of leadership experience across financial services and customer-led organisations, with expertise spanning customer engagement, growth strategy, brand development and digital capability.

Together, the appointments reflect NICU’s continued commitment to evolving how it serves both existing and future generations of customers, while remaining grounded in the values and community focus customers know and trust.

Northern Inland Credit Union (NICU) has announced two executive appointments as part of its continued focus on supporting customers, strengthening capability and preparing for the future.

Daniel Smallwood joins NICU as Executive General Manager Distribution and Channels, while Michelle Hemingway commenced as Chief Marketing Officer in early May with responsibility across marketing, customer and product.

Together, Daniel and Michelle bring extensive leadership experience across banking, customer experience, growth and organisational leadership, further strengthening NICU’s ability to support customers and communities into the future.

As customer expectations and the banking environment continue to evolve, both appointments will support NICU’s focus on delivering modern banking experiences while remaining grounded in the trusted personal service and community connection customers value.