AMP hires leader for small business digital unit

AMP has turned to Woolworths to hire a leader for its new small business digital banking division.

The new business unit is to be led by John Arnott, formerly of Woolworths' digital and data arm WooliesX, ahead of its intended launch in early 2025.

Under the title of director, small business and personal banking, Arnott will lead the division’s launch into transactions, payments and deposits using UK-based Starling Bank’s ‘Engine’ platform.

In a statement, Arnott said the division “has the potential to make a meaningful difference to the success of both small businesses and personal banking customers”.

Arnott previously led customer growth for ecommerce at WooliesX, and has also worked at Commonwealth Bank, Facebook and ING.

First announced last year, the digital banking division has been developed specifically to manage the transaction needs of smaller businesses using Starling’s technology platform and expertise.

Last week, AMP also made new hires, Julie Slapp and Cloe Reece, to boost customer solution design and digital innovation in its superannuation and investments business.