At work with Rob Goudswaard

Rob Goudswaard is the chief executive officer at CUA in Australia. He spoke to Efma’s Boris Plantier about what he does both inside and outside of work.

Tell me a little about your background.

I’m a first generation Australian from a Dutch background. After university, I moved straight into banking, spending 30 years at major Australian bank ANZ and then four years as the chief executive officer (CEO) at a smaller bank called Rural Finance. I’m currently approaching four years in the role of CEO of Australia’s largest credit union, CUA.

I worked overseas for seven years in the Middle East and the Pacific, with the remainder spent living in various parts of Australia. I spent nine years on the board of World Vision and have a strong interest in agriculture.

I’m married with three grown-up children and nearly four grandchildren (the fourth is on the way!) Outside work, I’m a keen sports fan. In the Australian Football League, I barrack for Geelong and have a strong leaning towards CUA-sponsored Carlton FC. I’m also a keen cricket fan, supporting the Brisbane Heat (Big Bash League Twenty20). I enjoy bicycle riding, having completed the Around the Bay charity cycling event in Melbourne five times.