Corporate Ladder: your guide to executive appointments in Queensland
InDaily tracks Queensland’s latest executive appointments within the state’s public and private sectors. Tell us what’s happening at the top table at your business.
BOQ appoints new CEO
Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has appointed experienced banking and financial services executive Rod Finch as CEO and Managing Director from March 1 2026.
Finch will succeed Patrick Allaway, who will retire from the role effective February 28.
Rod Finch has served at BOQ’s Chief Transformation and Operations Officer since 2023, with more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry across Australia and the United Kingdom.
BOQ Chair Andrew Fraser said Finch’s appointment will ensure the maintenance of momentum in executing BOQ’s strategy to become a simpler, specialist bank with improved performance for customers and shareholders.
“Rod’s executive leadership of BOQ’s strategy and transformation priorities provides leadership continuity at a pivotal stage for BOQ Group. During his tenure at BOQ, Rod has led the digital transformation and the program to uplift operational and risk performance,” Fraser said.
Rod Finch said he was honoured to be appointed and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in him.
“I look forward to leading the organisation, building on the strategic transformation initiated by Patrick to improve outcomes for our customers, shareholders and the communities we serve,” Finch said.
Patrick Allaway was appointed Non-Executive Director and Chair of BOQ in 2019, before his appointment to CEO in 2023 to address regulatory challenges and provide leadership and stability while developing internal succession.
Allaway said it was an honour to lead BOQ as Chair and CEO.
“While returning to an executive role was not in my plans, I have worked to stabilise and strengthen BOQ by progressing work to respond to two Enforceable Undertakings and address the impact of market structural shifts,” Allaway said.
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“Rod has a clear vision for BOQ and will retain momentum in building on the foundational work over the past few years to return BOQ to sustainable growth.”
Isis Central Sugar Mill CEO announces retirement
After 36 years of service to the Queensland sugar industry, Isis Central Sugar Mill CEO Craig Wood has announced his staggered retirement.
Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) acknowledged Wood’s significant contribution to the industry in strengthening the mill’s core operations and laying the groundwork for diversification into emerging biofuel opportunities.
Craig Wood began his career as an apprentice at Isis Central Sugar Mill before working in multiple leadership roles across several mills, culminating in his appointment to CEO in 2021.
ASM CEO Ash Salardini praised Wood’s commitment to the sugar industry and manufacturing sector.
“His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring Isis Central Sugar Mill remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing environment. Craig’s vision to balance core sugar manufacturing with diversification projects has set a strong foundation for the future,” Salardini said.
Isis Central Sugar Mill chairman, Shaun Tobin, confirmed Wood will remain as CEO until mid-2026 to support the transition of a new Chief Executive Officer.
Domino’s appoints former Global Markets CEO as Non-Executive Director
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd announced the appointment of Judith Swales as an Independent Non-Executive Director on January 28, to step into the role on February 24 2026.
Longstanding director Grant Bourke will retire from the board on February 24 after almost 25 years in the role.
Judith Swales brings extensive board and executive leadership experience across a diverse portfolio of global enterprises and currently serves as Non-Executive Chair of Super Retail Group Limited.
As a seasoned professional in retail, sales, marketing and manufacturing, she brings more than two decades of experience in roles within high-profile, consumer-facing organisations.
She has previously served as CEO of global markets at Fonterra, Managing Director of Heinz Australia and CEO and Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop, Australia and New Zealand.
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Swales holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Microbiology and Virology (University of Warwick) and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd chairman Jack Crowin paid tribute to Grant Bourke’s longstanding service and welcomed Swales to the Board.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside Grant for more than 30 years, and throughout he has demonstrated his passion for the Domino’s brand, our franchise partners, and the potential of this business,” Crowin said.
“Judith is one of the most experienced retail executives and Directors in Australia, and will add her expertise in large-scale operations, brand stewardship and governance to our deliberations.”
Longest serving Non-Executive Director resigns from Retail Food Group
Retail Food Group Limited’s Non-Executive Director, David Grant, announced his resignation on Thursday January 29, to take immediate effect.
Grant has been Chairman of RFG’s Audit & Risk Management Committee and joined the Board contemporaneously with RFG Chairman, Peter George, in September 2018. Grant is the longest serving of RFG’s Non-Executive Directors.
George said Grand had been an outstanding contributor to the Board for many year.
“He has provided extensive experience, balance and pragmatism during a period of significant change for the company, remaining independently minded and focused on the interests of the company’s stakeholders. He leaves the Board with our sincere gratitude and, on behalf of my fellow directors and the broader RFG team, best wishes for the future,” George said.
Council welcomes appointment of new Cross Border Commissioner
The Balonne Shire Council has appointed Bob Gee APM as the new Cross Border Commissioner following the passing of the late Commissioner Ian Leavers last November.
Gee steps into the role after serving as the previous Acting Victims’ Commissioner and respected former Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner.
Gee will continue working with local communities and governments, regional agencies, industry and other key stakeholders to address the challenges facing communities and businesses along Queensland’s borders.
Mayor Samantha O’Toole welcomed the appointment and praised Gee’s extensive experience in the highest levels of government.
“The Cross Border Commissioner role serves such an important function for our communities that live close to the border, as they face a range of unique challenges due to different government services being provided on either side of the border,” O’Toole said.
“The Cross Border Commissioner role serves such an important function for our communities that live close to the border, as they face a range of unique challenges due to different government services being provided on either side of the border.”
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