Raj Bains has been appointed as the Harpenden Building Society’s director of customer operations.

He will have responsibility for further developing its proposition and delivering a market-leading customer experience.

Bains (pictured) is experienced in strategic development and leading operational teams in the financial services sector, building upon his earlier career as a private practice litigation solicitor during which he acted for a number of leading financial institutions.

He joins Harpenden from the Dudley Building Society where over five years he held a number of senior positions including head of strategic development & legal and head of operations.

Bains said: “I’m excited to have joined Harpenden Building Society and I am looking forward to the opportunities this role brings. The Society has a sharp focus on the needs and behaviours of its members, with a well thought-through strategy on how to fulfil them now and into the future.

“My role is to help deliver this, building upon the good work already carried out, and to develop it further using customer and member insight and innovation.”

Sarah Howe, the Harpenden Building Society’s CEO, added: “At Harpenden we are working to deliver a personalised service designed to help our Members achieve a high level of financial well-being.

“We are delighted that Raj will lead our operational function, ensuring that we continue to provide a seamless customer journey that gives our Members what they want, when they want it.

“Raj is a welcome addition to the team. He has a strong background and thorough knowledge of the financial services sector. This understanding will be invaluable as we systematically grow the business to support our partners and members.”