PEXA strengthens executive team

PEXA has announced a series of senior appointments and promotions aimed at bolstering its leadership capabilities as it accelerates product innovation, customer engagement, and expansion into new markets.

The refreshed executive structure supports PEXA’s strategy to unite its technology and product divisions, strengthening delivery across its digital property settlement platform and data services at a time of renewed market momentum.

The leadership changes come as Australia’s housing market continues its recovery in FY25, with residential settlement volumes and property values rising on the back of rate cuts, regional demand, and improving affordability. PEXA’s latest report, covering over 95% of national transactions, also shows stronger new loan activity driven by lower rates and first-home buyer support.

New chief product and technology officer appointed

PEXA has named Peter Bonney as chief product and technology officer, effective January.

Bonney currently serves as executive general manager of product engineering at Xero, where he helped scale platforms serving millions of users globally. His previous leadership roles at Coles and IAG provide him with deep expertise in digital transformation and platform delivery within highly regulated industries.

Focus on customer and commercial growth

In September, Kylie Waldock joined as chief customer and commercial officer.

Waldock brings extensive experience across banking and financial services, having held senior roles at NAB and ME Bank, and most recently as CEO of MoneyPlace.

She will be responsible for strengthening PEXA’s relationships across its lending and property ecosystem, ensuring customers remain central to PEXA’s strategy through deeper partnerships and commercial innovation.

Internal promotions to support regulatory, product, and market growth

PEXA also promoted three senior leaders to further its growth agenda:

• Clare Gill has been appointed chief regulatory and corporate affairs officer, reflecting her strong leadership in regulatory strategy and engagement.
• Krystle Kocik becomes group chief product officer, tasked with driving global product development and innovation across existing and emerging markets.
• Steve Braithwaite takes on the newly created role of general manager, new markets and group strategy, leading the development of PEXA’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) solution and identifying new growth opportunities.

The company also confirmed that Eglantine Etiemble, group chief technology officer, will depart on Nov. 26, with PEXA thanking her for her contribution.

PEXA CEO: “Driving the next phase of growth”

PEXA CEO and group managing director Russell Cohen (pictured) said the leadership changes reflect a clear commitment to growth through customer-centric innovation.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, while driving the technology innovation needed to take PEXA into its next phase of growth,” Cohen said.

“Peter’s demonstrated leadership in globally scaling technology platforms and Kylie’s deep Customer and Commercial expertise in banking and finance bring fresh perspective to PEXA, whilst Steve’s strength in strategy and innovation, Clare’s regulatory leadership and Krystal’s product depth will all be pivotal in shaping PEXA’s future.”

Cohen added that with housing activity strengthening and lending volumes increasing nationwide, PEXA’s leadership renewal positions the company to deliver further digital innovation across Australia’s mortgage and property sectors.

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