Top Welsh building society gets a new hand on the reins
ONE of Wales’ largest independent building societies has appointed a new chief executive.
Will Carroll has been appointed as Monmouthshire Building Society’s new CEO, having served as interim CEO since August.
Mr Carroll has substantial experience as the society’s finance director and as a member of its board for the past eight years.
He has a detailed knowledge and understanding of the society’s business and the financial services market and has a wide network of contacts in the building society sector and in south Wales.
Monmouthshire chairman Haydn Warman said: “Our financial strength continues to be the bedrock of the society and Will has played a significant role in preserving that strength during his tenure as finance director.
“He has already taken the lead in developing the Society’s strategy and transformation programme. The board is confident that under his leadership the society will continue to prosper in the future as a strong and independent building society.”
Mr Carroll said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be asked to lead the society on the next stage of its journey and to build upon the successes of the past.
“The society faces some demanding challenges in order to successfully compete and grow in the digital age, but I am confident that with the great team I have around me, we can achieve and exceed our aims, ensuring Monmouthshire Building Society prospers for many years to come.”
Before being appointed interim chief executive, Mr Caroll served as the society’s finance director, holding the position since 2009.
Meanwhile, as the society undergoes a rebranding process, Dawn Gunter has joined it as chief operating officer.
Ms Gunter, who previously worked for Principality Building Society, said she was excited to return to south Wales and oversee the growth of the society. Her primary function will be to secure growth through the society’s products and services for both existing and new members.
She said: “It’s a fantastic time for me to be joining the society. We have a clear plan to invest in our business and deliver considerable growth over the coming years.
“We recently entered into a threeyear sponsorship deal with the Dragons, providing an early view of our new modern and dynamic brand that’s clearly set out our intent within the market.
“The society has an ambitious transformation programme ahead that will strengthen member engagement, expand distribution and create an exciting future for colleagues and customers.”
Ms Gunter has spent the past three years with Sainsbury’s Bank in Edinburgh, initially leading the operational design of its mortgage business, which launched earlier this year, and then leading the design and delivery of the personal loan and credit card operation.
She has experience working with the Welsh Government, Legal & General and the Bank of Scotland, while also spending 11 years with Principality Building Society, covering a number of operational leadership and distribution roles, most notably to head up the direct channel for the society.