James Bawa has been appointed to the role of chief executive of the Monmouthshire Building Society.

His appointment follows the retirement of Andrew Lewis after 25 years’ service, 11 of which at the helm.

Bawa (pictured) was formerly chief executive of the Teachers Building Society, which he joined back in 2002. Prior to joining the Teachers, he worked as chief executive at Scottish Legal Life following senior management posts at LV, Friends Provident and NM Schroders.

He is a member of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Smaller Business Practitioner Panel and previously sat on the Financial Service Authority’s Regulatory Decisions Committee for six years.

Haydn Warman, the Monmouthshire’s chairman, said: “James’ proven commitment to high standards in service delivery coupled with his commercial acumen deeply impressed the Society’s Board in the run up to his appointment.

“He has a keen awareness of the Society’s heritage and strong reputation within Monmouthshire and the wider South Wales area and his appointment will reinforce our position in the community as a prominent provider of financial services designed to meet the needs of our growing membership.”

Bawa added: “Monmouthshire Building Society has built up a strong reputation for delivering outstanding personal service over the past 147 years, and our financial strength is testament to ongoing relationships we’ve had with customers for generations.

“As a member-owned financial organisation, I’m determined to strengthen the Society’s strategy of being the mortgage and savings provider of choice for people within our local area, and to bring back into focus our primary goal to help first time buyers buy their all-important first home.”