The Cumberland has appointed Jackie Arnold (pictured) as the first woman to chair the building society
She will take on her new role at the mutual’s annual general meeting in July.
Previously, she worked as head of strategy at BAE Systems as well as vice chair of Cumbria’s Local Enterprise Partnership where she chaired the investment panel.
She has been a part of the Cumberland team as a non-executive director since 2018, and the people, remuneration and culture committee chair since 2019.
Arnold will succeed John Hooper, who will be stepping down as chair after five years in the role and nearly nine years as a non-executive director.
Hooper will leave The Cumberland after it said he had led the society through various phases of growth and transition including uncertain times such as the pandemic and ongoing cost of living crisis.
Eric Gunn will also retire from his role as non-executive director, chair of board risk committee and senior independent director after eight years.
In addition, Cameron Marr will join the board as a non-executive director and as chair of board risk committee.
Arnold says: “As a passionate advocate for Cumbria, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to step into the role of chair of the Cumberland board. I’ve enjoyed my time to date as a non-executive director and I’m really looking forward to this next chapter.”
Hooper adds: “It has been an honour and a privilege to steward an organisation with such a strong purpose and rich history through a period when it has set course to a sustainable future, enabling it to continue to be a key provider of financial services to the people of Cumbria, southern Scotland and surrounding areas.”
