The move is considered a major step in the mutual's strategic plan to drive its lending proposition to higher levels
Beverley Building Society has added further experience and strength to its board with the appointment of four new non-executive directors.
With 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, Stephen Smith (second from right in picture) brings to the mutual his practical experience of mortgage market distribution, driving growth strategies, and an understanding of proposition marketing. He spent the past 25 years working for Legal & General, most recently heading its mortgage and housing-related retail businesses.
“I am delighted to be joining the team to help take the society forward,” Smith said. “The Beverley has an important role to play in building better futures and prosperity in the town, the region and beyond.”
As the retiring chief executive of Market Harborough Building Society, Mark Robinson (second from left in picture) has highly relevant expertise in niche lending, distribution, IT infrastructure, and culture development. He also possesses a strong understanding of risk, compliance, and regulatory relationship management.
“To join another respected building society is a privilege,” he stated. “Mortgage decisions made by real people are becoming even more important and The Beverley is renowned for that. I’m delighted to be on the board.”
Skipton-based Bob Andrews (rightmost in picture) is joining Beverley Building Society while retaining his role as chief executive of fellow mutual Benenden Healthcare and non-executive director of the Association of Financial Mutuals. He has 35 years of experience in mortgage lending, operations, and insurance.
“I am excited to be joining Beverley Building Society at this time,” Andrews said. “While there are many challenges ahead, I am confident that The Beverley has the approach and aspiration to succeed.
“The mutual sector is an important one for balance within the British economy. I look forward to working with the CEO and the board, and bringing my commercial and mortgage experience to assist.”
Meanwhile, Barry Meeks (leftmost in picture) is an experienced financial services non-executive director, senior independent director, and committee chair, with specific expertise in mortgages and banking. He is currently an independent non-executive director and risk co-chair for a recently licenced new challenger bank, as well as chair of risk for a financial services and technology business. Meeks also possesses experience in regulatory interaction, risk, and governance being a chartered director and a fellow of the Institute of Directors.
“Beverley Building Society has been serving its heartland communities since 1866 and continues to have a bright and exciting future,” he noted. “I look forward to contributing to that ongoing success.”
This development is the latest in a number of key executive appointments and is seen as a major step in the society’s strategic plan to drive its lending proposition to significantly higher levels.
Read more: Beverley Building Society appoints chief financial officer.
According to the mutual’s chairman, Stuart Purdy, the knowledge and experience of the newly appointed directors represent a fantastic opportunity and a significant boost to the society’s ambitious future strategy, centred largely around mortgage lending growth.
“We are delighted with the extraordinary calibre of successful candidates our recent board recruitment process brought,” Purdy said. “It’s exciting to expand our commercial expertise through this wealth of varied and complementary skills.
“Strengthening our board will also aid our succession planning process, ensuring we retain the strongest possible board at all times going forward.”
Janet Bedford (centre in picture), chief executive at Beverley Building Society, remarked that the society is entering an exciting period “with promising growth in mortgage lending, significant investment in new infrastructure and talent, and a renewed and growing community presence.
“I am confident that the new non-executive directors will bring a wealth of added benefits to the business, as we move beyond the current interest rate challenges and serve even more members into the future.”
