Darlington Building Society has appointed Alex Windle (pictured above) as its new CEO, to take over the role from April next year.
Subject to approval by the regulators, Alex will become CEO when Andrew Craddock steps down after seven years.
Bringing 30 years of experience in financial services, Alex has held roles as UK marketing director at Vodafone, and chief customer officer and chief transformation officer at Cumberland Building Society.
Alex joins most recently from West Brom Building Society where he was chief customer officer.
This appointment follows the news that Darlington Building Society reached £1bn in total assets.
Rachel Court, chair at Darlington Building Society, said: “The society has achieved fantastic results over the past few years, thanks in large part to Andrew’s exceptional leadership.
“The recent milestones of reaching £1bn in asset size and donating a cumulative £1m from the society’s profits to local community causes under our 5% pledge are a real testament to his success.
“While Andrew will remain at the helm until the next annual general meeting in April, I look forward to welcoming Alex as our new CEO in what will be the society’s 170th year.
“Alex is an inspirational leader with a wealth of experience in leading the customer and commercial agendas in successful societies, and his experience suits him ideally to leading the Darlington into the next phase of our strategic development.”
Alex added: “I am thrilled to be joining a business that is so strong and well positioned in the North East, where it has built an enviable reputation for great customer care, being a first-class employer, and for its support of local communities.
“I am committed to giving customers choice, and I look forward to working with the team to build on the strong physical presence the society has in the region, while capitalising on the recent investment in technology to develop a bigger and more meaningful digital service.
“Darlington Building Society has been a force for good for almost 170 years and my aim is to build on the strong foundations that have been laid, so that we can help more people achieve their dream of home ownership and save for the future.”
