The Skipton Building Society has announced the appointment of Ashraf Piranie as group finance director.

Piranie is currently finance director and deputy chief executive at Nottingham Building Society, which he joined in 2007. He will join Skipton in March 2015, and his appointment has regulatory approval.

A qualified accountant (FCCA), Piranie worked from 1989 to 2005 at Alliance & Leicester, latterly as director of finance. From 2005 to 2007 he was joint managing director and finance director of the start-up Islamic Bank of Britain.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Skipton Building Society. Skipton is a well regarded and managed business in the mutual and wider financial services sector. It’s shown real tenacity to remain financially strong despite some of the worst economic conditions our country has faced. And has done so while keeping its members central to everything it does. I’m very much looking forward to joining Skipton in March next year and playing my part in its continued success.”

Group chief executive David Cutter added: “I look forward to welcoming Ashraf on board. He joins the Skipton Building Society at a very exciting time, as we are fast becoming the go-to destination on the high street for people seeking expert help on their retirement plans.

“Ashraf brings with him a wealth of retail banking experience and I am sure he will make a solid contribution to Skipton as we continue to meet our customers’ needs, strengthen our financial position and grow our business.”