After six successful years at the helm of Australia’s leading mortgage brokage, James Symond, CEO of Aussie, has announced he will be leaving the business following the imminent merger of Aussie and Lendi.
Mr Symond’s departure represents the end of a successful 30-year career at Aussie, which he commenced by the side of his uncle John Symond.
Highlights of James’ tenure have been Aussie’s staggering growth with brokers and stores, the acquisition of Wizard, and sale to the Commonwealth Bank.
He leaves the Aussie business in the best shape it has ever been with record profits and lending volumes, most recently with a record $3 billion in loan lodgements last month.
Commenting on his departure, Mr Symond said, “I am extremely proud of what Aussie has achieved over the past three decades."
"From humble beginnings Aussie has come a long way, from revolutionising and bringing healthy competition to the Australian home lending industry to where we are today with the largest retail footprint of any mortgage broker brand in Australia.
“Aussie now has a national distribution network with over 220 stores, over 1,000 brokers and 300 team members, who are part of the family-style culture John and I successfully built over three decades”, he added.
Launched in 1992, Aussie was a pioneer of giving consumers an alternative to the major banks. At just 19 years of age, Mr Symond started his career with Aussie, and has held a wide range of roles and leadership positions, growing the business and ultimately being appointed CEO in 2015.
Over the last six years, James successfully steered Aussie through significant challenges, including the Hayne Royal Commission, bushfires and COVID. James has also played a big part in shaping and advocating on behalf of the mortgage broking industry for decades.
“I’ve always been proud of the broking industry and Aussie’s role in advocating for customers.
"Now, with over 60 per cent of home loans in Australia provided by brokers, the industry is at an exciting new stage of growth and technology will play a major part in this,” he added.
Mr Symond said, “I thank all of the people in our team and the industry for their support and enthusiasm in building the Aussie brand and helping consumers with what is one of the most important financial decisions in their lives.
“Aussie and the industry has been my commercial life since I was 19 and I’m incredibly proud of the legacy that John and I created.
“We established a culture, systems and processes that really help mortgage brokers and their families succeed. Today, Aussie is one of the most recognised and loved brands in Australia, backed by our teams and brokers.
"The business is strong, and kept on the same growth path, will continue to strongly prosper in the future,” he concluded.