Target Group has appointed Jennifer Read as head of risk.

Read brings nearly 20 years of experience to Target in operational risk and governance, working across financial services and fintech in banking and markets, savings and asset management.

Starting out as a cashier in a NatWest branch, Read moved into risk and compliance, joining Barclaycard and becoming operational and risk compliance officer.

She then worked at Royal London and later F&C Asset Management as operational risk analyst.

In 2010, Read joined RBS as operational risk manager for global banking and markets, including a secondment to explore first line governance and controls.

She would later hold senior operational risk roles with Morgan Stanley, Allica Bank and fintech TrueLayer, before joining Goldman Sachs to head business risk for Marcus, a retail savings app.

In her new role, Read will lead Target’s second line risk team, working with CRO Jonathan Hole and the wider team to develop, maintain and enhance risk management and adherence to governance across the business.

She is also tasked with horizon scanning to alert Target to any upcoming risk changes or influences.

Commenting on her appointment, Read says: “Not only is risk a key part of every business, it is also a shared responsibility; it’s important our business remains self-aware in the decisions we make and the impacts of our actions.”

“My key focus is making sure we are articulate about our risks, responsible and always striving to do the right things in the right way – for the business, our customers and for our clients.”

Target Group chief executive Peter O’Connor adds: “With deep knowledge and expertise across financial services, Jennifer is a fantastic asset and further strengthens our approach to risk, compliance and governance.”