Ms Bagnall has worked in the banking and insurance sector, in Australia and internationally, for more than 20 years, and said she was thrilled with her new role. 

"I joined (Suncorp) because of its unique culture and its commitment to being customer-focused, especially customers in regional communities," she said. 

"I am proud to represent Suncorp Bank in the Victorian market and look forward to getting to better know our customers and staff."

Ms Bagnall said the bank was determined to bring a unique level of personal connection to the bank.   

She said Bendigo was a "key centre for growth".

"We pride ourselves on being big enough but also small enough," she said. 

"With Bendigo we have a great location in Williamson Street that customers can come to but we also have the ability to visit farmers at their doors."

Suncorp Bank's head of business customers Daniel Robinson said Ms Bagnall would bring a wealth industry experience and knowledge to the role. 

"Michelle’s portfolio encompasses a number of leadership roles in regional sales, credit risk and strategy functions across commercial banking, asset finance and general insurance, including more recently the general manager, integration in the specialised sales team of business banking at NAB," he said. 

"She also enjoyed an eight-year stint in London working within the corporate banking and financial markets division at the Royal Bank of Scotland where she led a specialist sales team during the GFC.

"Michelle’s passion and genuine understanding of the regional banking landscape and the challenges and opportunities faced by agribusinesses, will be invaluable in delivering results for our customers in Victoria."

Suncorp Bank has about nine million customers. The entity has five businesses, personal insurance, commercial insurance, Vero New Zealand, Suncorp Bank and Suncorp Life.