Swansea Building Society has appointed its first female executive director in chartered accountant Catherine Griffiths.
Ms Griffiths comes to the director role with 25 years’ experience within the finance industry. Her career has seen her hold a number of senior positions at several leading accountancy practices and large organisations, including five years as an external audit manager at KPMG and eight years as finance manager at Tata Steel.
Having first joined Swansea Building Society in January 2017 as a financial accountant, she moved to become head of risk and compliance in 2019.
Based at Swansea Building Society’s head office in Cradock Street, Swansea, Ms Griffiths’ role will include providing risk assessments, advice and support on all aspects of the society’s business strategy.
The building society was ranked the most profitable in the UK last year. It was also confirmed as the 30th largest building society in the UK, with total assets of £414m, a sizable increase on £370m the previous year. In recent years, in contrast to most financial services firms, it has opened several new branches around Wales.
Ms Griffiths said:“I feel immensely privileged to be appointed as the society’s first ever female executive director, particularly at such an exciting time in its history as it approaches its centenary
“Being born and brought up in the Swansea valley, I am looking forward to using my experience to work with Alun and the team, to help the society continue its success in a safe and secure way.”
Alun Williams, chief executive office of the Swansea Building Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Catherine to her new role of executive director. She has been a much-valued, talented and reliable team member since joining us in 2017, and her progression to director is very well deserved.”
