Board member since April 2025 replaces James Fazzino from 31 August 2026

Rabobank Australia has named Carolyn Colley as its new chair, effective 31 August 2026, as the bank changes leadership at board level.

Colley takes over from James Fazzino, who is leaving after more than six years on the board. He served as a director from 2020 and as chair from 2023.

The appointment gives the role to a director who joined the Rabobank Australia Limited board in April 2025. Rabobank says she brings more than 30 years of executive and non-executive work across financial services, technology and digital innovation.

Colley brings banking and technology experience

Els Kamphof, Rabobank managing board member Wholesale & Rural, linked the move to board renewal as the bank expands its Australian business. She pointed to Colley’s background in financial services, technology, product development and innovation.

“Carolyn’s exceptional understanding of the financial services marketplace, and her expertise in technology strategy and digital transformation, makes her ideally placed to lead the board as Rabobank supports our Australian clients’ future growth,” Kamphof said.

Kamphof also highlighted Colley’s work in audit, risk, financial governance and product governance in regulated settings, as well as her connection to Australia’s food and agriculture sector.

Outside Rabobank, Colley is an independent non-executive director at Count Ltd, the ASX’s Clearing and Settlement boards and Smartgroup Corporation. She also serves as chair and treasurer of Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections, a not-for-profit group.

Her earlier board positions include Milford Asset Management, IOOF Trustees and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. In executive roles, she worked at Macquarie Bank, St George Bank and BT Financial Group.

Colley also co-founded Faethm and was chief operating officer of the global SaaS analytics company, which works with companies and governments on future-of-work planning.

Rabobank thanked Fazzino for his time on the board. Kamphof said his interest in Australian agriculture, along with his leadership and business experience, had been important to the bank.

Fazzino called it a “privilege to work with the exceptional people of Rabobank in supporting Australian farming families and communities” during his tenure.

Colley said she was “honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair of Rabobank Australia”. She also pointed to the backing of Rabobank’s global parent and said she looked forward to working with Caroline Oosterbaan.

Rabobank did not set out any wider board changes alongside the chair appointment.