GB Bank chief executive Mike Says is to retire from the role at the end of April 2026, with Eddie Trahearn appointed as his successor, subject to regulatory approval.
Says joined GB Bank in 2021 and has led the bank from pre-authorisation to profitability and what it described as sustainable growth in under five years.
During his tenure, the bank secured its full banking licence, raised growth capital, grew its lending book to about £800 million and increased its balance sheet sevenfold to more than £2 billion.
GB Bank said it had also built an institutional funding line franchise supported by a diversified deposit platform and was now operating on a self-sustaining footing.
Says will retain board roles within the group, providing continuing knowledge and guidance.
Trahearn (pictured) joined GB Bank in 2021 as head of treasury and funding and is currently chief strategy and financial officer. He has played a central role in shaping the bank’s strategy, funding model and growth trajectory.
Before joining GB Bank, Trahearn held senior treasury and balance sheet roles at Belmont Green, LendInvest and Charter Savings Bank.
The bank is also making a number of changes to its executive team. Pankaj Thukral, chief lending officer, will broaden his role to become deputy chief executive. Adam Royal, currently head of finance, will become chief financial officer, while Tom Graham, group treasurer, will become chief capital and treasury officer.
They will join Anne-Marie Lister, chief operating officer, and Rupert Carlton, chief risk officer, as part of the leadership team.
Huw Morgan, chairman of GB Bank, said: “Mike has led GB Bank through a period of exceptional progress, taking the business from pre-authorisation through to profitability and establishing a strong platform for sustainable growth. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding leadership.
“We are delighted to appoint Eddie as CEO. His deep understanding of the business and strong strategic and financial credentials makes him ideally placed to lead GB Bank through its next phase.”
Trahearn said: “I would like to thank Mike for his leadership and for the platform he has built. We have achieved a great deal in a short period of time and have significant opportunities ahead.
“I am excited to take on the role of CEO, supported by a strong and experienced executive team.”
Says said: “I joined GB Bank with a clear objective: to build and scale a bank from pre-authorisation through to sustainable profitability. Having achieved what I set out to do, with the Bank now on a strong and self-sustaining footing, this is the right time for me to step down from the executive role and begin the next chapter of my career.
“Eddie is the right person to lead GB Bank forward, and I am confident the Bank has a very bright future.”
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