AUSTRALIA 
Symond steps down as Aussie boss
Friday, 8 August, 2008
Aussie Home Loans boss John Symond is stepping down as chief executive of the company to focus on developing new business.
Mr Symond said on Friday he would withdraw from the operational side of the Aussie Home Loans business, to focus on strategic opportunities to build the company's business.
He told ABC radio that the credit crunch had presented many opportunities, particularly with smaller home loan brokers who didn't have the backing of a major brand.
"We have a great brand and an umbrella that may well help other, struggling non-bank players who want to stay in the business and want to link themselves up with a good brand who's very active and wants to grow rather than jump into the trenches, steel helmets, and wait for the storm to blow over," Mr Symond said.
He said Aussie, with $23 billion of loan business on its books, needed a larger team to take advantage of the current business opportunities.
"I'm freeing my time up from the operational side to get involved in the serious side of strategy and who we should be talking to and how is the best way to grown Aussie Home Loans," Mr Symond said.
Source: AAP
