Katreena Tyson: A Career Shaped by Curiosity, Courage and Community

For Katreena Tyson, a career spanning more than 25 years across banking, wealth management and global financial services has always been about more than titles or tenure. It has been about using insight, creativity and disciplined execution to drive growth and build trust.

“I have consistently focused on using insight, creativity and disciplined execution to drive growth and strengthen trust,” she says.

Katreena began her career at ANZ, working across roles in Australia and later the UK. Those early years laid a strong foundation in brand, sponsorship and communications, and helped shape her understanding of how reputation is built over time. A pivotal moment came when she was given the opportunity to run a P and L in the UK.

“That experience sharpened my thinking,” Katreena reflects. “It reinforced the importance of inclusive leadership and the impact of having someone back you to give it a go.”

Her career then progressed through senior marketing leadership roles at UBS, Crestone Wealth and CommBank, spanning retail, corporate, institutional, business and wealth portfolios. Along the way, she led teams through growth, transformation and moments of significant change, experiences that tested both her judgement and resilience.

Today, as General Manager Marketing at CommBank, Katreena sees her role as the coming together of everything she values.

“My role brings together growth, commercial impact, customer focus, strong governance and developing talented teams to deliver at pace and with purpose,” she says.

What This Award Really Means

Winning the WiBF Award for Achievement in Corporate Affairs in 2025 holds deep personal and professional meaning for Katreena. It represents recognition of a career built with integrity, resilience and a commitment to lifting others along the way.

“This award is incredibly meaningful as recognition of a career built with integrity, resilience and a deep commitment to lifting others,” she shares.

Balancing senior leadership, family life and periods of significant industry change has not always been easy, but consistency has been key.

“I am proud of the consistency with which I have shown up as a leader,” she says.

For Katreena, the award also reflects the collective efforts of the teams she has been privileged to lead, sharing “strong outcomes are always the result of shared ambition, trust and collaboration.”

The Moments That Shape You

Many of Katreena’s most defining moments came during periods of uncertainty. Leading brands through major transactions, demergers and reputational challenges required her to balance decisiveness with empathy, and governance with creativity.

“I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders who modelled courage, clarity and sponsorship,” she says. “Just as importantly, I have learned from the teams I have led.”

Listening deeply to diverse perspectives has often led to better decisions and stronger outcomes. One of the most formative experiences of her career was taking on combined marketing and P and L responsibility across the UK, Europe and the US early on.

“Having someone I admired back me to take on that responsibility, and support me along the way, was hugely formative,” Katreena reflects.

Confidence, Doubt and the Juggle of Life

Katreena speaks openly about self-doubt and the ongoing work of building confidence.

“There have been many moments where I have doubted myself, and my confidence has been tested,” she says.

Over time, she has learned the importance of advocating for herself and others and recognising that resilience is built gradually.

“It is something I talk about often when mentoring others, especially shifting that internal dialogue,” she adds. “It is a challenge I am still working on.”

Alongside her career, Katreena is navigating the realities of family life. With three children, a husband in a senior role and no extended family nearby in Sydney, life requires constant problem solving and teamwork.

“There is a lot of juggle between us all,” she says. “It is busy, imperfect and very real.”

Advice from the Heart

When asked what advice she would share, Katreena encourages breadth as well as depth.

“Diverse experiences build confidence and a well rounded perspective,” she says. “Growth often happens before you feel ready, so hold on.”

She also believes strongly in authentic leadership.

“Lead in a way that feels true to you. We need leaders who bring clarity, curiosity and courage, and that leadership comes from all levels of an organisation.”

Looking Forward

What excites Katreena most about the future is the opportunity to continue shaping how financial institutions support businesses and communities.

“The intersection of AI, data, creativity and technology is enabling far more relevant, personalised and meaningful customer experiences,” she says.

Katreena’s message to WiBF members is clear and heartfelt. “You belong in the room and your perspective matters,” she says.

“Progress happens when we support each other, share our stories honestly and create space for different leadership styles to thrive. Keep backing yourself, keep backing each other, and do not underestimate the impact of lifting others as you rise.”

Katreena’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is built on courage, integrity and lifting others along the way values that sit at the very heart of the WiBF 2025 National Industry Awards.

Submit your nomination now and this could be you in 2026!