Ian Rowling, the ex-chief executive of the Nottingham Building Society, has been appointed by the Mansfield Building Society as a non executive director.

The appointment was confirmed in July and Rowling (pictured) has now taken up his role. He retired from the Nottingham in 2011, having served 23 years as an executive director, the last five of which were as chief executive.

Rowling’s appointment is the third non executive appointment made by the Society in 2013. Jeremy Cross and Alison Chmiel joined in February and all three of the new hires have in depth experience in the financial services arena.

Rowling said: “I am delighted to be involved with another society which holds the best attributes of the mutual sector close to its heart. With the economic situation looking brighter, there is an important role for mutual buidling societies like the Mansfield to play, both on a local and national level. I look forward to playing an active part.”

Gev Lynott, chief executive of the Mansfield, said, “These are exciting times for the Mansfield as we look to expand our reach. In being able to appoint Ian Rowling to the board, we are fortunate to be able to call on the experience of a man who has successfully led one building society, the Nottingham, through all the ups and downs of the economic cycle as well as having made a significant contribution to the wider mutual movement. We shall all benefit from his extensive knowledge and counsel.”

Nigel Tamplin, chairman of The Mansfield’s Board of Directors added, “ Ian Rowling’s appointment is the third important non executive appointment the Society has made this year. We remain committed to ensuring we have the strength in depth at board level with the appropriate combination of skills and experience to be able to flourish and grow whilst all the time maintaining effective stewardship and strong corporate governance.”