Chetwood Bank has appointed Melanie Czarra as a non-executive director and chair of its board risk committee, bringing more than 30 years of international banking and corporate finance experience to the role.
Czarra (pictured) will succeed Duncan Martin, who is due to step down in December after six years with the bank.
Her appointment, which carries the SMF 10 senior management function designation, will see her take responsibility for overseeing the bank’s approach to risk management alongside its wider governance and strategic direction.
Czarra began her career on Wall Street with Chemical Bank, now part of JPMorgan, before holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs, Citi, UBS Investment Bank and Mizuho International.
Her banking career encompassed capital markets, structured finance, large-scale financing and private credit.
Following her retirement from investment banking, she established and led three businesses operating in the luxury goods, retail and hospitality sectors.
Czarra also holds non-executive positions with housing associations Abri Group and Vectis Housing Association and was recently appointed as an independent member of Scotiabank’s remuneration committee.
Czarra said: “I’m delighted to be joining Chetwood Bank at such an exciting time in its development.
“My responsibilities include reviewing our risk management framework to ensure we understand risk and mitigating excessive risk whilst taking appropriate risk opportunities to grow the business.
“I’m also responsible for overseeing the bank’s governance, culture and strategic direction, working with the executive team to ensure we continue to thrive.
“The position promises to be challenging and exciting and working together with an energetic and dynamic board as we continue to build the business is an opportunity which I relish.”
Paul Noble, chief executive of Chetwood Bank, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome someone of Melanie’s calibre to our board and as chair of our risk committee.
“Her exceptional track record across global banking, capital markets and corporate finance, combined with her experience as a successful entrepreneur and business leader, will help us as we continue to deliver on our long-term growth ambitions.
“Strong governance and effective risk management have been central to our success to date, and Melanie’s appointment will help us build on these firm foundations as we continue to grow and evolve.”
Noble also acknowledged Martin’s contribution during his six-year tenure, particularly his involvement in the bank’s growth and diversification.
He added: “I’d like to thank Duncan for his significant contribution to the Bank’s growth and diversification over the past six years. His guidance, expertise and commitment have helped shape the organisation, and he leaves with our gratitude and very best wishes for the future.”
