Nationwide has appointed a women to it's top post for the first time in its 137-year history after recruiting TSB’s chief executive.
Debbie Crosbie will join the Swindon-headquartered building society next year as she takes over from Nationwide’s boss Joe Garner.
Scotland-born Ms Crosbie is just two-and-a-half years into her role at TSB, but the bank has credited her with leading its “successful turnaround”.
Her role at TSB will be filled by chief customer officer Robin Bulloch until a permanent replacement can be found.
Ms Crosbie said: “Nationwide’s mutual status, combined with its trusted brand and market-leading customer service, make it a purposeful and unique force for good.
“I’m delighted to be asked to lead the society in its next phase of growth and to work with its members and colleagues to make it the leading retail financial services provider in the UK.”
Nationwide is second only to Lloyds in the UK’s mortgage market and revealed last month that pre-tax profits had more than doubled in the first half of the financial year.
It reaped the benefit of not scaling back lending during the early days of the pandemic, unlike many of its rivals.
“Following a thorough and rigorous selection process, she emerged as the outstanding candidate to lead Nationwide,” said Nationwide chairman-elect Mr Parry.
“She is a strong advocate of mutuality and supports Nationwide’s core purpose and the societal role it plays.”
Cesar Gonzalez-Bueno, the chief executive of TSB owner Sabadell, added: “We warmly thank Debbie for leading TSB back to growth.
“TSB is a valued part of the Sabadell Group and we look forward to working with Robin to achieve our shared goals.”
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