Engage Mutual has appointed Maria Leighton to the position of finance director.

Leighton, who joined Engage Mutual in May 2013 as group financial controller, takes over as finance director from incumbent Carol Ritchie, who held the role in an interim capacity. Maria will also become part of the mutual’s executive committee.

Prior to her time at Engage Mutual, Leighton worked at Aviva for over 13 years holding a number of positions including head of planning and forecasting at Aviva Group and finance business partner at Aviva UK.

Leighton said: “I’m delighted to be taking over as finance director. Engage is a thriving customer owned business, determined to deliver the benefits of mutuality to its customers.

“The recent launch of the Engage Foundation, a £1m fund for the exclusive benefit of customers, is ultimately made possible by the organisation’s strong heritage and financial stability. I’m looking forward to building on this, enabling the continued delivery of mutual benefits to our customers.”

Chef executive Peter Burrows added: “It’s great to welcome Maria to the position of finance director. Since joining Engage she has helped us to develop a clearer view of our strategic future, and she brings a wealth of commercial and sector experience that will be invaluable as we continue to invest in building a truly customer focused, modern mutual business.”