Jo Mikleus joins Avenue Bank's board as independent director
Avenue Bank, Australia's first-ever bank specialising in bank guarantees, has confirmed the appointment of Jo Mikleus as the new independent, non-executive director of its Board. Mikleus, who brandishes a robust experience of more than 35 years in business, banking, and technology, will Chair the Avenue Banks Board Audit Committee.
Moving on from the Board is Christian Bernecker, the details of his future endeavour remain unannounced. Mikleus currently serves in pivotal roles across multiple businesses, including a non-executive directorship at both the Acumentis Group and Yondr Money. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Vice President at Cyble Inc., an AI specialist cyber threat intelligence company.
Beyond her current posts, Mikleus carries extensive experience in banking and financial services to her new role, culminated over a 30-year career with ANZ and Latitude Group. In acknowledgment of this transition, Stephen Rix, Chairman at Avenue Bank, said, "We wish to thank Christian Bernecker for his invaluable contribution to Avenue and are delighted Jo has accepted her appointment."
The Chair expressed confidence in Mikleus' "proven track record and focus on growth, customer design thinking, and innovation". He expects that these qualities will provide enormous value to the Board and contribute to achieving its strategic goals.
Commenting on her newfound role, Jo Mikleus conveys enthusiasm around being a part of the Avenue Bank board at what she terms an "exciting time for the company". Mikleus said, "It's a thrilling period to join Avenue's Board. I look forward to contributing to Avenue's trajectory, reinforcing its position at the forefront of banking innovation for Australian businesses."
Mikleus joins Avenue Bank in the wake of a significant period of growth following its launch in March, coinciding with its receipt of a full banking licence from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), distinguishing it as an Authorised Deposit-Taking Institution (ADI).
Avenue Bank has taken giant strides in the short term post its launch. The bank's innovative digital bank guarantees, celebrated for their prompt 24-hour issuance period, have been well-received within the Australian business community, marking them as a revolutionary force within the industry.
Peita Piper, CEO of Avenue Bank, has identified the overwhelmingly positive response to their digital bank guarantees: "We are reshaping the future of commercial leasing, and Jo's guidance will play an important part in steering us through this exciting phase of growth and innovation."
