Ward joined Dudley Building Society in 2001, and is a graduate of its executive development programme.
Samantha Ward has been appointed to Dudley Building Society’s main board as commercial director.
As commercial director, Ward will have responsibility for profit and loss across the building society, as well as product development, marketing and business development.
Ward joined Dudley Building Society in 2001, and is a graduate of its executive development programme (EDP), introduced by chief executive Jeremy Wood.
During the EDP, Ward built a well-rounded knowledge of both the company and the ways in which a modern building society operates, working across most departments during her career.
Most recently, as head of commercial, Ward has been responsible for the successful development of new residential mortgage business, as well as marketing, product and growth strategy.
Wood said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the Dudley board, a promotion which is richly deserved.
“I have no doubt that Sam would have succeeded in any environment, but she has shown conclusively that every school leaver can succeed given the right environment and support, which is what we have built at [Dudley Building Society].
“The development programme has been a factor in Sam’s career success, but much of the credit is hers as she has applied herself diligently to each of the roles to which she has been assigned since she joined while also finding time to graduate in Banking Practice and Financial Services Management.
“I am in no doubt that Sam’s appointment, with her intimate knowledge of the society, will prove to be a great success and we wish her the best of luck.”
Ward added: "Of course, I am thrilled to be joining the board of the society.
“I would like to think that my promotion will not only encourage my colleagues in the society but also serve to illustrate that anyone with drive and a strong work ethic can make a success of their career.
“Of course, I have been fortunate in the support I have received from within the business in helping me develop my skills and knowledge, but as I have proved, there is no barrier to anyone wanting to go far in the world.
“The society, along with the market in general, faces a difficult period at the moment.
“My energies are concentrated on supporting my colleagues and making sure that Dudley Building Society continues to serve its members.
“Once we are through this crisis, mutual building societies like the Dudley, whose roots are firmly based in the communities from which they started, will have a vital role to play in helping to provide support not only to our members but also as a valuable source of mortgage funding as the housing market returns to normality.”
