Valley Bank CIO Stuart Cook leaves to join start-up True Digital Network as CEO

Stuart Cook Transition:
- Stuart Cook, former Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of Valley National Bank, has left after 11 months.
- He has taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at True Digital Network, a Texas-based start-up.
About True Digital Network:
- Founded in 2022, True Digital Network is a platform exclusively designed for bankers.
- Aims to facilitate collaboration among banks and credit unions for technology adoption.
- Focuses on connecting bankers with each other based on their vendor experience.
New App Launch:
- Stuart Cook, as the new CEO, announced the launch of True Digital Network’s new app.
- The app serves as a vendor directory with over 300 banking categories, open to all bankers and credit union staff.
- Users can explore verified products and initiate the adoption of new technologies.
- Features direct messaging between users and allows tracking of competitors’ technology adoption.
Vision and Mission:
- Stuart Cook’s objective is to streamline the industry, making it more efficient.
- Aims to remove the “messiness” from the equation, enabling more banks and credit unions to participate in value creation.
- Cook sees his previous experience at Valley Bank, including managing a $100 million corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, as instrumental in preparing him for True Digital Network’s mission.