The Cumberland Building Society’s chief executive officer Des Moore has announced he will step aside from his role in Summer 2026.

Moore was appointed as CEO in 2018 when The Cumberland was in need of a new strategic direction. Under his leadership, The Cumberland’s balance sheet has grown by 32% since 2018.

He has led the organisation through a refocus, exiting non-core areas including estate agency and a financial advice business, and strengthening its core operating model including areas such as holiday let and commercial lending.

In addition, Moore has worked closely with the senior management team to build a more “empowered and values-led culture”, The Cumberland says.

He has also improved colleague benefits and improved leadership diversity, with women now holding 50% of senior leadership roles, an increase from 19% in October 2018.

In more recent times, Moore has overseen The Cumberland’s digital transformation investment to modernise its services.

In a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, The Cumberland is modernising its core technology platforms with TCS BaNCS for core banking, TCS Digital Home Lending Solution for mortgages, and Quartz for compliance.

Commenting on the announcement, Moore says: “It has been a privilege to lead an organisation that does so much good for others, especially one that has been trusted by its members for 175 years.”

“Our people are ‘off-the-scale’ passionate about what we do, and our success is down to them; I’ve been very lucky to lead an exceptional executive team during this time.”

“When people hear the name, The Cumberland, it resonates with them. We’ve built something deeply connected to the community, and I’m proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”

“Having seen The Cumberland through its 168th, 170th and now 175th anniversary, I’m glad to say it remains true to its roots: purpose-led, socially responsible, and committed to our communities. It’s perfectly captured in our Kinder Banking purpose.”

Speaking about his future after The Cumberland, Moore says he doesn’t plan to take up golf but is interested in doing some advisory or non-executive work at a less frenetic pace.

He will remain in post until summer 2026, supporting an orderly transition to new leadership.