Thomson takes up the role from his current position as chief operating officer and succeeds Gerry Kay at the helm of Scotland’s largest independent building society. Kay stepped down from the role of chief executive in May 2013.
A chartered banker with some 30 years’ experience, Thomson (47) joined the Scottish Building Society in 2012 from Scottish Widows Bank where he was credit director, having spent his early career at Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank.
Commenting on his new appointment Thomson said: “It is an enormous privilege to take over as chief executive of one of the world’s oldest mutuals.
“There is no doubt that conditions remain challenging and I believe that now, more than ever, people need to know that they are dealing with an organisation that will do the right thing by them.
“I answer to 37,000 members and a dynamic board of directors and I aim to build on the good work of recent years which has seen growth in assets and in mortgage business - and I know we can do this whilst continuing to treat our members fairly.”
In setting out his fairness agenda Thomson stressed that integrity in business does not stifle innovation, and he expects to deliver good value for members through a simplified product range while providing a premium level of customer service, balancing the needs of both borrowers and savers.
The society, which merged with the Century Building Society on 1 February 2013, has assets of some £388 million, a mortgage book of £277 million and a network of 67 branch offices and agencies throughout Scotland.
