Board Members

As a mutual building society, protecting the interests of our members is our top priority. Our board members ensure the success and long-term sustainability of Furness Building Society by thoroughly challenging and evaluating our business strategy. Here you’ll find an overview of our board members and how their experience and insight helps to provide an accessible and well-rounded service for our members.

 

Chris joined us in 2017 and his strong vision and determination to instill a high performance culture have had a hugely positive impact on our transformation into a modern and competitive building society. He’s committed to maintaining our strong community values and social responsibility and shaping a sustainable future for our Members. Previous roles include President and CEO of Assurant Solutions Europe.

Key roles:

  • Chief Executive
  • Member of the Nominations Committee
  • Chair of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Assets and Liabilities Committee

LinkedIn profile

Responsible for leading the Board of Directors, Graham has over 30 years’ experience in the financial sector, including work with six mutual financial services companies. His sound understanding of governance, risk and conduct requirements has been instrumental in steering us through another highly unusual year.

Key roles:

  • Chair
  • Chair of the Nominations Committee

Wider commitments:

  • Chair of Keycare Limited
  • Chair of Keycare Assistance Limited (Eire)

LinkedIn profile

Diane has over 35 years’ financial experience primarily within the Asset Management sector. She has extensive Board experience and brings a combination of strong governance, commercial focus and client service. Having grown up in the region, Diane is committed to help the Society continue to develop and support its Members and the community they live in.

Key roles:

  • Non-Executive Director
  • Climate Change and ESG Board Champion

Wider commitments:

  • Chair of Legal & General Unit Trust
    Managers
  • Non-Executive Director of Morgan
    Stanley Fund Management (Ireland)
    Limited
  • Non-Executive Director of Morgan
    Stanley sponsored Investment Funds
  • Non-Executive Director of Galaxy II  
  • Member of Audit Committee
  • Member of Remuneration Committee

LinkedIn profile

Karen brings extensive Executive experience from her former role as Vice President at Expedia Group. She has an excellent Sales and Operations background from the financial services, Travel, and Telecoms sectors, including Multi channel and Digital strategy. Her time in one of the Virgin Group businesses has cemented her belief that happy people make happy Members, which enables a successful business.

Key roles:

  • Non-Executive Director
  • Vice Chair 

Wider commitments:

  • Non-Executive Director Ramsdens
    Financial Limited
  • Non-Executive Director (pro bono)
    Manhealth CIC
  • Member of Board Risk Committee
  • Member of Nominations Committee 

LinkedIn profile

Phillip brings to the table experience from a number of directorship and senior finance roles including that of Finance Director at UK Asset Resolution, Provident Financial and the British Business Bank. He firmly believes in our ‘Member first’ model and his proven commercial, finance and treasury expertise is helping guide us towards a successful future.

Key roles:

  • Chair of Audit Committee
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of Nominations Committee 

Wider commitments:

  • Non-Executive at Calisen Impact Charitable Trust
  • Non-Executive Director for Gatehouse Bank

LinkedIn profile

Andy has held numerous executive positions in the retail and commercial banking sectors throughout his career, including as Chief Operating Officer at N Brown plc and roles at The Cooperative Group and Boots. His skills and experience in complex areas of technology and change management play a vital role in protecting Members and safeguarding our future.

Key roles:

  • Member of the Board Risk Committee
  • Member of the Remuneration Committee
  • DE&I Board Champion

Wider commitments:

  • Chief Modernisation Officer

Peter has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years, including holding senior roles at Virgin Money and Alliance & Leicester. His extensive strategic, commercial and management experience is an asset to the Board, along with his passionate belief that everyone has the right to own their own home.

Key roles:

  • Chair of the Board Risk Committee
  • Member of the Remuneration Committee
  • Consumer Duty Board Champion
  • Whistleblowing Champion

Wider commitments:

  • Trustee of Newcastle West End Food Bank
    Charity
  • Director of Whitworth West Management
    Company Limited

LinkedIn profile

Laura joined the Society in 2019 as Head of Financial Change and took on the role of Interim Finance Director in September 2022.

She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 15 years’ experience in audit, insurance and financial services, including 7 years of senior leadership in the Building Society sector. She has extensive experience of prudential risk management and statutory accounting. Laura’s financial management skills and championing of the mutual sector support our continued and long-term sustainability.

Key roles:

  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Assets & Liabilities
    Committee
  • Member of the Board Risk Committee

Linkedin Profile