Smartgroup has appointed Simon Haidar as Chief Customer Officer and a member of its Executive Leadership Team, strengthening its leadership team across customer growth, sales and account management.
Haidar joins Smartgroup from McMillan Shakespeare, where he held senior leadership roles across sales, product, novated leasing and customer growth. He brings experience across salary packaging, novated leasing, fleet and employee benefits, as well as established client relationships across the sector.
In the new role, Haidar will lead Smartgroup’s customer and growth agenda. His responsibilities will include growing the company’s client and customer base, strengthening sales and account management, increasing uptake across existing clients, and improving the quality and consistency of customer experience.
Smartgroup Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Scott Wharton said Haidar’s appointment supports the company’s focus on growing relationships with clients and customers through improved services and products.
“Simon is one of the most experienced customer and commercial leaders in our sector. He will help us strengthen how we go to market, increase product uptake, and deliver more value for clients and customers across Australia,” Wharton said.
“As a member of our Executive Leadership Team, Simon will play an important role in Smartgroup’s next phase.
“We are focused on growing with discipline, making it easier for our clients and their people to access the benefits that improve their businesses and lives, and lift the quality, speed and consistency of the experiences we deliver.”
Smartgroup’s incoming Chief Customer Officer Simon Haidar said the company was well positioned for further growth.
“I’m looking forward to working with Scott and the team to build on the momentum, deepen customer and client relationships, and help more Australians access the value of salary packaging, novated leasing and fleet solutions,” Haidar said.
Smartgroup also announced the departure of Bianca Bates, Chief Customer Officer, who is taking up a role in another organisation. The company thanked Bates for her contribution and wished her well in her new role.
