The building society said the appointment would strengthen its executive team as it targets sustainable growth.

Thorpe has been working in financial services for more than 22 years, starting in frontline banking before moving into more senior roles.

In 2022 she joined Darlington Building Society’s executive team.

In her new role at the Vernon Louise will lead the society’s customer-facing functions, including mortgage and savings distribution, product, proposition, marketing and customer services.

Vernon Building Society chief executive Darren Ditchburn said: “The creation of chief customer officer enables us to sharpen our focus on delivering brilliant outcomes for members and brokers at a pivotal time of transformation and growth.

“Louise is an authentic, high-energy leader with a proven record of building customer centric cultures, transforming journeys and growing business in a way that still feels personal and human. She knows how to listen to members and intermediaries, turn that insight into better products and services, and keep teams focused on doing the right thing for them every day.”

Thorpe said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Vernon Building Society at such a pivotal moment.

“Over the next few years, I look forward to working with colleagues to make the Vernon even easier to do business with across branches, broker partnerships and digital channels, so more people in our communities can access the products, service and support only a modern mutual can deliver.”

Thorpe started in her new role on 16 March.

Earlier this month the Vernon appointed Damien Sabbaghe as intermediary business development manager.