Dudley Building Society has appointed Helen Smith as chief growth officer.

Smith joined the society in April and brings with her board-level experience across financial services, insurance, healthcare and funeralcare.

She has held senior roles at organisations including Benenden Health and Co-op Funeralcare and Life Services, where she led large, cross-functional teams and delivered business transformation programmes.

In her new role, Smith will be responsible for shaping and delivering the society’s growth strategy across technology, customer and intermediary channels.

She will also play a key role in aligning commercial activity with the society’s wider purpose.

Dudley Building Society distribution director Robert Oliver says: “Helen brings a strong track record of leading change across complex organisations, but just as importantly, she understands how to connect commercial decisions with real outcomes for customers and colleagues. Her appointment strengthens our ability to move forward in a way that is considered, consistent and built around long-term value.”

Smith adds: “There is a real opportunity to build on that by making sure our products, service and overall experience reflect what customers and intermediaries need in practice.”

“My focus will be on bringing teams together to deliver that consistently, while supporting sustainable growth that works for both the Society and the people it serves.”