Resimac has confirmed the start date of its new CEO.
The Australian non-bank lender — which named Pete Lirantzis (pictured) as Resimac's new chief executive officer in December — said the C-suite executive will begin in his new post today, April 30.
Lirantzis has been tasked with growing the broker channel, with an immediate focus on the firm's ongoing digital transformation, including the continued use of AI.
“Brokers and their customer’s play a primary role in the future growth of Resimac," Lirantzis told Australian Broker. "Our success is directly intertwined with theirs, which is why enhancing the broker experience at Resimac remains a top priority for me."
Lirantzis joined Resimac in early 2024, serving as chief strategy, product and operating officer. Throughout his career, which spans more than three decades, he has held numerous leadership positions in banking, finance, telecommunications and insurance.
Lirantzis takes over the post of chief executive officer from interim CEO Susan Hansen, who will remain as a non-executive director at the firm. Hansen took the post last September, after former chief executive officer Scott McWilliam suddenly resigned. McWilliam had been with Resimac for more than two decades, including six years in the CEO seat.
Lirantzis’ tenure as the non-bank’s head also coincides with the completion of the migration of the Westpac Auto Back Book portfolio — a deal that is estimated to be worth as much as $1.6 billion, and one that Lirantzis spearheaded.
In addition to leaning into car finance, Resimac purchased Sydney-based lender International Acceptance Group in 2021, renaming it Resimac Asset Finance. Lirantzis declined to comment if Resimac has other acquisition targets in its pipeline.
But he did comment on the importance of both the broker channel and diversification.
"More and more individuals are recognizing that a trusted mortgage or finance broker is ideally equipped to help them secure tailored home loans, car loans or equipment financing solutions at competitive interest rates. As brokers continue to embrace diversification, the reliance on these trusted advisors is only expected to grow," Lirantzis said.
"Brokers are more engaged than ever, addressing the rising demand from customers seeking to refinance, purchase homes, invest, acquire vehicles and other equipment, both from a personal consumer level and to grow their businesses," he said. "Additionally, they are navigating a diverse range of client situations that often don’t fit into traditional lender categories. Today’s borrowers are not just comparing lenders: they are also evaluating brokers.
"This insight drives Resimac’s commitment to focusing on a core product suite, leveraging automation and enhancing our capacity to address complex credit needs more efficiently, especially during the credit and approvals stages," Lirantzis added. "Our goal is to provide a seamless and efficient service experience for brokers and their customers by simplifying processes and expanding self-service options within our broker network.”
Lirantzis' new role follows a number of senior leadership changes at the firm, including a new chair of the board last November. In addition, just this month Resimac's Rodney Cottam, former regional sales manager, and Chris Paterson, former general manager of distribution, left the firm to start their own business, a coaching firm called Run Rocket Run.
