Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Barry O’Dwyer and Philippa Brown as independent non-executive directors.
The pair join the board from 2 June, bringing experience across financial services, customer-facing businesses and digital transformation.
O’Dwyer has almost 40 years’ experience in financial services, particularly insurance and pensions. He is currently group chief executive of Royal London, and has previously held roles including chief executive of Standard Life and deputy chief executive, UK and Europe, of Prudential. He has also served as president of the Association of British Insurers.
O’Dwyer said: “Mutual organisations like Yorkshire Building Society play a vital role in supporting their members’ financial wellbeing and that role has never been more important. Having led one of the UK’s largest mutuals since 2019, I believe in the value of the mutual model.
“Yorkshire Building Society has a 160-year history of supporting its members and communities, and I am looking forward to helping the Society continue to grow while staying true to its purpose.”
Brown has led large customer-facing organisations, including as chief executive at PHD Worldwide, a media and communications agency, and Omnicom Media Group UK.
She has experience in using data and technology to improve customer outcomes, and has previously served as non-executive director at Leeds Building Society and chair of the Advertising Association.
On joining Yorkshire Building Society, Brown will also serve as a member of the board remuneration committee and board environmental and social purpose committee.
Brown said: “I feel strongly aligned to the values of mutuality and Yorkshire Building Society’s purpose. I am excited by the Society’s strategy and its ambition to innovate and grow, while making it easier for members and customers to manage their money and achieve their goals.”
Annemarie Durbin, chair of Yorkshire Building Society, added: “I am delighted to welcome Barry and Philippa to the Board. They bring a breadth of experience, commitment to the mutual model and a clear alignment with our purpose.
“As a forward-thinking Society with a proud heritage and ambitious plans for the future, we benefit greatly from the diverse perspectives our Board members bring. Barry and Philippa’s experience of transformation and growth will be of considerable value as we continue to serve our members and communities.”
