New non-executives appointed to the board at Leeds BS

David Fisher and Philip Jenks have joined the society’s board, which consists of three executive directors and six non-executive directors, under the leadership of chairman, Robin Smith.

Mr Fisher, who lives in Halifax and has an MBA from Strathclyde Business School, is a non-executive director of the Law Society and the former chief executive of Sainsbury’s Bank.

He was previously group HR director at HBOS and HR director at Lloyds Banking Group.

Mr Fisher said the society had a “successful, sustainable business model”.

He added: “The society is an independent member owned business with a strong well-capitalised balance sheet.

“I look forward to using my expertise to add value to the members and colleagues of this long-established and successful organisation.”

Mr Jenks, who lives in Huddersfield, is a specialist adviser to the Housing Finance Select Committee.

He has held senior positions at Halifax Mortgages and was head of mortgage strategy and development at HBOS, where he became chief operating officer, Mortgages.

Mr Jenks said: “Leeds Building Society increased new mortgage lending by 25 per cent, to £1.23bn, last year and I look forward to using my experience to enhance the society’s already strong mortgage proposition.”

Mr Smith said Mr Fisher would help the society to “develop our people and products”, while Mr Jenks’ expertise would ensure the society was in a position to help more customers get on the housing ladder.

Leeds Building Society, which dates from 1886, has assets of around £9.9bn and 67 branches around the UK.

Leeds announced this week that it will open more than half of its branches on Good Friday to help its members to maximise the return on their ISA savings. The first day of the new tax-year falls over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.