The Board of Directors

• Appointed Chair in January 2018, having joined the board in 2015.

Strengths and experience

Jack has held numerous senior management and executive roles during his 40-year career within the financial services and risk management sectors. Included are: Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sainsbury’s Bank; Retail Risk Management Director of Bank of Scotland; Group Security Director of Lloyds Banking Group; and UK Managing Director of Risk Management at National Bank of Australia (Europe).

Society roles

Jack is also Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Personal message for 2023

“I have seen our Society grow stronger, more efficient, and more resilient throughout my time on our Board. However, we have always been focused on supporting our members and our community and we continue to strive to deliver better services and products whilst supporting local good causes at, what seems to be, an ever-increasingly difficult time.

Our strong financial performance enables us to weather difficult financialmarkets whilst continuing to invest in our business and deliver benefits toour members, community, and colleagues. I remain honoured to be your Chair and will continue to deliver our proven strategy in my final year as a Director of our Society.”

Appointed: Chief Executive in December 2018.

Strengths and experience

Andrew started his career at Barclays Bank where he spent 20 years. From there he moved to Allied Irish Bank where he spent a further 10 years, latterly as UK Chief Operating Officer. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Buckinghamshire Building Society for 4 years before joining the Society in December 2018.

Andrew has strong strategic and commercial skills as well as an excellent understanding of risk and change management, IT and Operations and developing products to meet customer needs.

As Chief Executive Officer, Andrew has responsibility for developing and proposing the Society’s strategy, corporate objectives and plans, providing leadership to the Society, and maintaining the Society’s business model and culture.

Society roles

Andrew is a member of the Board and Nominations & Governance Committee, and attends the Board Risk & Compliance Committee, Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee.

He is Chair of the Society Executive Committee, Product & Pricing Committee, and Darlington Homes Ltd.  Andrew is also a member of all other Executive level Society Committees.

Other roles:  Andrew is a member of the Darlington Cares Boards and a Director/trustee of the Building Societies Association Pension Scheme.

Personal message for 2023

“I am proud to be CEO of your Society, passionate about its purpose and humbled by the commitment and service provided by my colleagues. As increases in the cost of living provide challenges for many in our community, a Society like ours that really looks after its members and colleagues’ interests is even more important.

I aspire for your Society to consistently provide an excellent service and ensure that our members are at the heart of every decision we make. My mission is to build a trusted, values-driven organisation, which continues to thrive, and make a real difference to our members and the local community.”

Appointed: Non-Executive Director in September 2022.

Strengths and experience

Peter has strong ties with the Society’s operating area in the North East, stemming from his illustrious career in journalism which began when he was just 18 years old. He was the longest-serving Editor of the Northern Echo and in 2014 was awarded an MBE for services to journalism and North East life.

Society roles

Peter sits on the Board, Audit Committee and the Board Risk and Compliance Committee.

Other roles: Peter is Patron of the North East Autism Society and managing director of Peter Barron Media.

Personal message for 2023

“My priority for the year ahead is to help keep Darlington Building Society at the heart of its local communities, so that it is in touch with the needs of members, and able to make a difference where it matters most during what is very likely to be a challenging time for a lot of people.”

Appointed: Chief Risk Officer in December 2020 and joined the Board as Executive Director in October 2022.

Strengths and experience

David has over 20 years’ financial services experience, with a strong background in leading risk management and assurance functions. He previously held roles with Leeds Building Society and Virgin Money plc, before joining the Society in 2020. David has a track record for effective implementation of risk control frameworks and providing independent advice and support to Board-level committees on risk appetite and reporting.

Society roles

David is a member of the Board and attends Board Risk and Compliance Committee, Audit Committee and Nominations and Governance Committee.

He is Chair of the Executive Risk Management Committee and a member of all other Executive level Society Committees.

David also acts as the Society Secretary, Money Laundering Reporting Officer, and is the senior executive responsible for delivery of the Society’s strategic response to climate change.

Personal message for 2023

“Strong risk management is an integral part of running a successful Society, making sure it is resilient, and protecting members’ interests in line with the regulations.

As Chief Risk Officer, I am committed to ensuring that this remains a core focus in an operating environment that is impacted by political and economic uncertainty.

Since joining, I have been really impressed with the Society’s culture and determination to consistently deliver for members and colleagues. I am proud to be part of an organisation that is dedicated to mutual values.”

Appointed: Chief Financial Officer in October 2022 having joined the Society in 2018 as Financial Reporting Manager.

Strengths and experience

As Chief Financial Officer, Steven has a key strategic role on the board of Darlington Building Society, with a broad overview of the organisation. His experience at PwC has put him in good stead to progress through the ranks at the Society.

Society roles

Steven is a member of the Board and attends Board Risk and Compliance Committee, and Audit Committee.

He is Chair of the Assets and Liabilities Committee and a member of all other Executive level Society Committees.

Personal message for 2023

“I love working for an organisation that’s really ambitious, with an Executive Team and Board that is fully focused on how they can benefit members as much as possible. Members are at the core of everything we do, and I really value that.

When you add into the mix the widespread difference the Society makes through its annual pledge to donate 5% of its profits to good causes, along with being a caring employer that encourages staff to volunteer out in the community, it makes it such a great place to be a part of.”

Appointed: Deputy Chief Executive in October 2022 having joined the Society in September 2017 as Chief Risk Officer.

Strengths and experience

Chris has over 20 years’ financial services experience, including 2 years at Royal Bank of Scotland, 2 years at Yorkshire Building Society and 15 years at Lloyds Banking Group. He has extensive knowledge of Treasury and Market Risk and spent his first 2 years at the Society as Chief Risk Officer.

Chris as Deputy Chief Executive is responsible for the IT, Business Transformation, Underwriting, Financial Support, and mortgages/savings support functions.

Society roles

Chris is a member of the Board and attends Board Risk and Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee.

He is Chair of the Change, IT and Resilience Committee and a member of all other Society Executive Committees.

Other roles: Chris is Treasurer at the 700 Club housing charity in Darlington, and a Director of his local rugby club.

Personal Message for 2023

“With a hope for more certainty than the last few years I will continue to support the Society on a steady path of operational and financial stability, to allow members to feel confident to save with and borrow from the Society. This will be carefully managed alongside business transformation to improve member experience and efficiency of services the Society offers in the coming years.”

Kate was appointed Vice Chair and Senior Independent Director in 2023 having joined the Society in August 2019 as Non-Executive Director.

Strengths and experience

A chartered accountant by background, Kate worked initially at PwC. She subsequently had a varied career spanning sales & marketing, customer services, IT & change management, HR, strategy and risk management, as well as finance. Kate has worked primarily in financial services with roles at Skipton Building Society, First Direct, AXA PPP healthcare, Lloyds Banking Group and Engage Mutual Assurance.

Society roles

Kate is Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit Committee, and Nominations and Governance Committee. Kate is also the Board Champion for Colleague Engagement and Climate Change.

Personal Message for 2023

“The pandemic proved very challenging for everybody and, just as we thought it was behind us, we are now faced with significant economic and political turmoil, including high inflation. I am more conscious than ever of the role that Darlington Building Society can play in helping its members through these tough times, and continuing to contribute to society through our charitable work, as well as doing our bit to combat the effects of climate change.”

Appointed: Non-Executive Director in August 2019.

Strengths and experience

Angela retired as Deputy CEO and Group Finance Director of the Newcastle Building Society in 2018. She is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in finance in the UK and abroad. Angela has worked in a variety of positions covering finance, risk, audit, project and corporate planning. She also worked for PwC for 12 years in the UK and USA.

Society roles

Angela became Chair of the Audit Committee on 1 January 2020 and is a member of Board Risk & Compliance Committee.

Other roles: She is a Member of Council and Chair of Finance Committee for Newcastle University, and Director of William Leech Investments Limited.

Personal Message for 2023

“I am continually proud of what Darlington Building Society achieves for its members, colleagues, and communities. The last few years haven’t been easy and 2023 could be just as challenging for consumers against the changing economic backdrop. But you can always rely on Darlington to be here, as we have been for over 167 years, helping you navigate the financial waters. As a member of the Board and Chair of Audit Committee I will continue to use my skills to support the ongoing success of the Society’s strategy.”

Appointed: Non-Executive Director in September 2022.

Strengths and experience:

Robert is the Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), a prominent figure in the mortgage world and a spokesperson for positive change in the diversity and inclusion space. He has been at the helm of the AMI since its inception in 2012, representing the needs of the mortgage market by influencing policy across political and regulatory landscapes both in the UK and Europe.

Society roles:

As well as being a member of the Society’s Board, Robert also sits on the Board Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

Other roles: Robert is the Chief Executive at the AMI.

Personal message for 2023:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience that I have gathered over 40 years in financial services to support the Society and the communities where it operates.

I am passionate about helping the team adapt to the changing world in which we look to grow and prosper, for the benefit of our members. Having started my career in Hartlepool it is great to come ‘home’.”

Appointed: Non-Executive Director in September 2022.

Strengths and experience

John has a distinguished background in the regulatory and wider financial services sectors. To date, John has held senior advisory roles at regulatory bodies including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). He also has experience advising the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Society roles

At Darlington Building Society, as well as being a member of the Board, John chairs the Board Risk and Compliance Committee and sits on the Audit Committee.

Personal message for 2023

“Darlington Building Society has been at the centre of local communities for five generations. It has helped thousands of individuals and families save for their rainy day. And, to buy the home of their dreams.

My responsibility as a new Director is to look forwards whilst staying true to this history. To keep the Society at the heart of its communities and to help you, our members. Especially in these difficult times. You can be sure I will
do this”.