Gareth Thomas has joined Hodge’s executive team as its chief people officer.

Thomas (pictured) is the former director of people and organisational development at charity Brandon Trust, HR director at Arriva Trains Wales and head of HR and business change at Royal Mail Group.

A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, Thomas will lead all People Services at Hodge, ensuring the bank develops its employment proposition.

Hodge is a purpose-led company ultimately owned 79% by a charity the Hodge Foundation. This is also where Thomas will lead, ensuring Hodge colleagues are supported, and enjoy an inclusive and stimulating workplace helping them develop both personally and professionally.

Thomas said: “It’s great to be joining Hodge at an exciting time of development within the bank. It has ambitious plans for the coming years in all product areas, so it’s vital we look after the amazing team we have in order to achieve that, as well as ensuring we have the right people joining us in future.

“I am passionate about Hodge’s purpose, so to now be part of a team so synonymous with the financial services heritage of Wales is really great.”

Dave Landen, CEO of Hodge, added: “Gareth’s CV speaks for itself. He has worked at a senior level in some of Wales and the UK’s top companies, and we are thrilled to have him here with us at Hodge.

“Hodge has changed a lot since the pandemic, with many of our colleagues now working flexibly from different parts of the UK. Gareth and his team’s job now is key to ensuring we all work as one organisation to achieve our ambitious goals.”