Richard Fearon has joined Leeds Building Society as chief commercial officer.

He will be responsible for product development, marketing and brand, digital, customer insight, and distribution, including the Society’s 67 branches across the UK, Gibraltar and Ireland.

Fearon (pictured) spent 10 years with Lloyds Banking Group, where he held a number of senior roles in both the mortgage and savings businesses. He started his career at management consultants Oliver Wyman & Company.

He said: “Leeds Building Society is a successful independent building society and I’m looking forward to working for a financial services organisation owned by its customers, our members, rather than external shareholders.

“Now is a really exciting time as we develop the service we offer to members to enable them to do business with us at a time that suits them and in the way they choose.

“The Society will continue to innovate to meet our members’ evolving needs and provide long term value, as we help more people to save and have the homes they want.”

He joins the Society’s main Board, which consists of five executive directors and eight non-executive directors, led by chairman Robin Ashton, who said: “This is an excellent appointment and I’m delighted to welcome Richard to the Society.

“His skills and experience further strengthen our executive team as we continue our investment in the future of the Society to benefit even more members and deliver further improvements to our service.

“Richard has a strong understanding of product development to meet customer needs, which is a key part of the Society’s sustainable business model as we grow our membership and build financial strength.”