Vernon Building Society has appointed Darren Ditchburn as chief executive officer as current CEO Steve Fletcher announces his retirement in December.

Fletcher retires after joining the mutual in January 2018 and steps down after a 43-year career in the financial services industry.

Ditchburn joins from Leek Building Society where he has worked as deputy chief executive officer. He brings with him 20 years of experience within the building society sector, having worked his way up at Darlington Building Society.

Commenting on his retirement, Fletcher says: “I feel the society is in great shape and we have really exciting plans for the next five years. Now is the right time to move aside and allow Darren to drive the organisation forward with the same passion and energy I brought with me seven years ago.”

Ditchburn adds: “Steve leaves behind a brilliant legacy and I am incredibly proud to be joining Vernon Building Society as chief executive at such an exciting time. I can’t wait to pick up the mantle and continue taking Vernon forward. In doing so, I will continue to put great importance on what really matters; our members, local communities, colleagues and their futures.”