Harpenden Building Society has announced Richard Doe as its new chief executive, subject to regulatory approval.

He replaces Sarah Howe.

Doe’s relationship with the lender started in March 2020, when he was appointed non-executive director. He is a member of its audit committee, its renumeration committee and Harpenden’s nominations committee.

He has worked in retail banking – and, specifically, mortgages – for over 35 years, including stints as the chief executive of ING Direct, from 2010 to 2013, and as managing director at Paragon, where he worked from 2013 to 2019.

Doe says: “Harpenden is a regional building society with a solid reputation as a specialist lender and I look forward to overseeing the business’ future development.

“Growing Harpenden’s UK reach and product portfolio whilst being known as a partner of choice amongst our members, employees and broker partners will be my focus for the society, continuing the good work to date.”

And Harpenden chairman Stephen Richardson comments: “I’m looking forward to what will be an ongoing association with Richard, having worked with him previously in his non-executive director role.

“As chief executive, he will direct our journey of modernisation and business growth whilst continuing Harpenden’s focus on providing excellent customer service as an award winning building society – we are delighted that he has accepted the position.”