Kevin Parry OBE
Society Chairman
Date of appointment
Society Chairman – 1 February 2022
Independent non-executive director – 23 May 2016
Skills and experience:
Kevin Parry is a chartered accountant and brings to the Board expertise in audit, regulation, risk management, and finance. He was Chairman of Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited, bringing experience from across the mutual sector. Additionally, as a former Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency, his perspective on housing is an asset to the Group.
He has a wealth of experience across a broad range of organisations. He has held the positions of Chairman of Royal London Mutual Insurance Company Limited and Intermediate Capital Group plc and Senior Independent Director of Standard Life Aberdeen plc, as well as having been the Chief Financial Officer of Schroders plc and the Chief Executive Officer of Management Consulting Group plc. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Marie Curie, an organisation whose charitable purpose is aligned with the Group’s Fairer Futures initiative.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of Daily Mail & General Trust plc
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Marie Curie
- Chairman of Mutuals and Cooperative Council
Debbie Crosbie
Chief Executive Officer
Date of appointment
2 June 2022
Skills and experience:
Debbie Crosbie joined Nationwide as CEO in June 2022. She has over 25 years of experience in financial service leadership. Debbie was previously CEO at TSB where she led its successful turnaround by delivering a strategy to transform customer experience, made the bank more competitive, improved its reputation and increased colleague engagement – delivering the three-year growth strategy a year early. Debbie has extensive experience of leading turnaround strategies and, while Acting CEO of Clydesdale Bank, led preparations for its successful demerger and subsequent Initial Public Offering. Debbie has overseen the execution of several major transformation projects.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of SSE plc
- Member of the FCA’s Practitioner Panel
- Director of UK Finance
- Member of the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council
Muir Mathieson
Chief Financial Officer
Date of appointment
06 September 2024
Skills and experience:
Muir Mathieson was appointed Chief Financial Officer in September 2024, having previously held various senior leadership roles at Nationwide since 2010. He is a chartered accountant and his previous positions within Nationwide include Deputy CFO, Treasurer and Director of Financial Planning and Stress Testing. Prior to this, he began his career at PwC, as well as holding roles at Barclays Investment Bank and Chelsea Building Society.
His significant financial services experiences across finance and treasury disciplines mean that he has a deep understanding of the Society and the mutual business model, and he is ideally placed to oversee the long-term financial stability of the Society.
Current external appointments
- Director of Silverstone Securitisation Holdings Limited
- Member of the PRA’s Practitioner Panel
Anand Aithal
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
01 October 2024
Skills and experience:
Anand Aithal has over 30 years of international experience across financial, business, government and professional services. For 5 years, he was Lead Non-Executive Board Member of the Cabinet Office and he has also served on not-for-profit boards in the education and international development arenas.
Prior to his non-executive career, Anand was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs before starting his own firm which was a pioneering provider of data analytical services.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of Saga plc
- Non-executive director of Polar Capital Holdings plc
- Non-executive director of Persimmon plc
- Trustee of the Institute for Government
- Non-executive advisor to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
David Bennett
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
13 November 2024
Skills and experience:
David is an experienced board chairman and non-executive director and brings to the Board extensive experience of retail banking, strategy, risk management, corporate activity and organization and operational and structural change, gained from his long career in financial services.
He has served as Chairman of Virgin Money UK PLC since 2020, and prior to that was Deputy Board Chair from 2015.
Current external appointments
- Chairman of AllFunds Group Plc
- Chairman of PayPal UK Limited
- Chairman of PayPal Digital Incorporation
- Board Member of the Department of Work and Pensions
Tracey Graham
Senior Independent Director
Date of appointment
Senior Independent Director – 20 July 2023
Independent non-executive director – 28 September 2022
Skills and experience:
Tracey Graham is an experienced non-executive director, having served on several listed companies and mutual boards across a range of sectors, including financial services. She has extensive experience as a remuneration committee chair and as a senior independent director at both Ibstock plc and discoverIE plc.
She was Chief Executive of Talaris Limited, an international cash management business. Before that she held a number of senior roles in De La Rue plc, HSBC and AXA Insurance. Tracey was Chair of the LINK Consumer Council for nine years until December 2024.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director and Senior Independent Director of the Pension Insurance Group and Pension Insurance Corporation plc
- Non-executive director of Close Brothers Group plc
- Non-executive director of Close Brothers Limited
Albert Hitchcock
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
2 December 2018
Skills and experience:
Albert Hitchcock is a leader in information technology with over 30 years in the technology industry. His experience is of huge value to the Society as we continue our ambitious transformation programme to meet the expectations of our members today and in the future.
He was previously a technology advisor to the Board of the Royal Bank of Scotland plc and has held executive positions as a Group Chief Information Officer at Vodafone plc and Nortel Networks. He was previously Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Pearson plc.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of Pureprofile Ltd
Alan Keir
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 March 2022
Skills and experience:
Alan Keir is an experienced banker who began his non-executive career when he retired as a Group Managing Director and CEO of EMEA at HSBC in 2016, where he had been leading the operations in 30 countries, including the UK home market. He has extensive experience in a full range of banking activity, including retail branches and investment banking from his previous roles as Chair of Sumitomo Mitusi Banking Corporation Bank International plc and Non-Executive Director of Majid Al Futtaim. His expertise in the retails and commercial banking sector, and his proven track record of delivering a successful commercial banking strategy, whilst redefining the culture and values of a large organisation, assists the Board in setting and delivering strategic performance. He was previously non-executive director of HSBC Bank plc between 2018 and 2021.
Debbie Klein
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 March 2021
Skills and experience:
Debbie Klein has extensive experience in commercial brand and marketing roles. Until mid-2023, she was Group Chief Marketing, Corporate Affairs and People Officer at Sky, As part of her role, she was responsible for Sky’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, leading Sky’s challenge to meet its 2030 net zero goals. Her expertise in sustainability and CSR matter assists in building Nationwide’s future Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) agenda.
She was previously Chief Executive Europe and Asia Pacific at The Engine Group, an integrated marketing services business, and held various leadership roles in her 20 years at the firm. Earlier in her career she worked in Strategy and Insight at Saatchi & Saatchi and Nielsen.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of The Guardian Media Group
- Non-executive director of Multichoice Group
- Non-executive director of Showmax Africa Holdings Limited
- Non-executive director of Xyon Health Inc
Sally Orton
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 June 2023
Skills and experience:
Sally Orton is a dual qualified chartered accountant in Australia and the UK, with a career spanning 30 years in financial services and professional services, bringing to the Board expertise in audit, regulation and finance. She was Group Chief Financial Officer at GAM Holding AG (listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange), where her remit included responsibility for all financial matters in the Group, including reporting, tax, treasury, capital management and related regulatory matters. Prior to joining GAM, she held CFO roles at LCH Ltd (part of the London Stock Exchange Group) and Howden Broking Group and also held senior roles at Man Group plc. Having started her career at KPMG in Australia, she moved to London in 1997 to join the Banking and Capital Markets industry groups of PwC and then EY.
Tamara Rajah MBE
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 September 2020
Skills and experience:
Tamara Rajah has extensive experience in entrepreneurial ventures and technology and ran an award-winning, venture capital backed global consumer healthcare platform. She has published widely on high growth entrepreneurship and was formerly a non-executive director of the ScaleUp Institute Limited, London & Partners Limited and Entrepreneur First Operations Limited. Prior to launching her own company Tamara was one of the youngest partners at strategy firm McKinsey where she spent a decade in the healthcare practice and led McKinsey’s knowledge and client work on entrepreneurship and technology clusters in life sciences, digital and technology. She brings to the Board vast experience of digital transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Current external appointments
- CEO Holland and Barrett Wellness Solutions and Chief Transformation Officer
Gillian Riley
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 April 2022
Skills and experience
Gillian Riley is a senior banker with an accomplished track record in consumer and commercial banking at Bank of Nova Scotia, which is Canada’s third largest bank. From 2018 - 2024, she was President and CEO of its subsidiary, Tangerine Bank, which she evolved from being a digital deposits bank to an everyday digital bank that was profitable and had a full suite of banking solutions. She also previously founded The Scotiabank Women Initiative to strengthen equality and support for women entrepreneurs. She is a champion for diversity and community values, contributing in areas such as health, youth issues and gender equality.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director and Chair of Roynat Capital Incorporation
- Non-executive director of St Michael’s Hospital Foundation in Canada
Phil Rivett
Independent non-executive director
Date of appointment
1 September 2019
Skills and experience:
Phil Rivett is a chartered accountant with over 40 years’ experience of professional accountancy and audit, with a focus on banks and insurance companies. He has a wealth of experience advising major financial serves providers in the UK and on a global basis; he has held various senior positions at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP and was Chair of its Global Financial Services Group prior to retiring from the firm. He has an exceptional leadership track record, advocating a collaborative and inclusive approach.
Current external appointments
- Non-executive director of Standard Chartered plc
- Non-executive director of Standard Chartered Bank
Jason Wright
Society Secretary
Date of appointment
17 March 2021
Skills and experience:
Jason Wright is responsible for delivering a comprehensive secretariat service to the Board, Board committees and senior management. He advises the Chairman and the Board on governance related matters and helps the Board function effectively by ensuring it has the policies, processes, information, time and resources it needs.
He joined Nationwide in December 2019 to lead the Secretariat function and became Society Secretary in March 2021. He is a qualified chartered company secretary with over 25 years’ experience working as a governance professional with financial services. Prior to joining the Society, he was Company Secretary at Barclays Bank plc and previously Head of Board Support at Santander UK plc. He is a fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.
Executive Committee
Suresh Viswanathan - Chief Operating Officer
Suresh has been the Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Building Society since October 2022, leading our technology strategy and transformation, technology functions and broader Society central business services. He has over 30 years of experience in technology and financial services, specialising in setting up complex global technology operations and integrations. Suresh began his career at Citi Group, where he set up their branch-banking platform and led acquisition and integrations across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. He joined Barclays in 2008 as Chief Information Officer for Barclays Corporate Bank and then went on to lead Operations and Technology for Barclays UK, where he helped set up their ring-fenced bank. Between 2019 to 2022, Suresh was the Chief Operating Officer at TSB, overseeing digital transformation, and broader technology and corporate functions. Suresh was appointed as an Associate Non-Executive Director for NHS England in April 2024.
Gavin Smyth ‐ Chief Risk Officer
Gavin Smyth has been Nationwide’s Chief Risk Officer since November 2020, helping to keep the Society, and its members, safe and secure. Gavin joined the Society in 2017 leading independent oversight and management of the Society’s conduct and compliance and prudential risks. Gavin has significant experience working in financial services having previously held senior roles at Tandem Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
James Peirson - Group General Counsel
James joined Nationwide in December 2024 as Group General Counsel to lead the Legal and Secretariat functions of both Nationwide and Virgin Money UK. This function delivers expert advice and guidance on legal and regulatory issues, as well as a comprehensive secretariat service. James has been General Counsel at Virgin Money UK since November 2014, having joined the Group's former Parent Company, National Australia Bank in 2005. Prior to that he started his career in private practice at Hogan Lovells.
Lynn McManus ‐ Chief People Officer
Lynn joined Nationwide in January 2023 as Chief People Officer and has more than 20 years’ experience within financial services. Previously, Lynn was a Non-Executive Director at Leeds Building Society and was the People Director at CYBG. She has worked within finance, risk, HR and communications. Lynn is also a chartered management accountant.
Catherine Kehoe – Chief Customer, Brand and Engagement Officer
Catherine was appointed in February 2023 to lead the Marketing and Corporate Affairs function. Catherine’s responsibilities include management of our member insights, experience, measurement and strategy. She is accountable for our brand and reputation management alongside performance marketing and communications to members and stakeholders. Prior to joining Nationwide, Catherine spent 15 years at Lloyds Banking Group with her most recent role as their Chief Customer Officer where she led and managed the Group's portfolio of 13 brands alongside customer insights, analytics, strategy and communications. Before Lloyds Banking Group, Catherine held a number of marketing positions at Royal & Sun Alliance, BT and Yell Group.
Rachael Sinclair – Director of Mortgages and Financial Wellbeing
Rachael joined Nationwide in 2008 and has carried out multiple roles across the Society including Head of Operational Strategy, Director of Channel Strategy and Operations and Director of Strategic Planning. She is currently responsible for leading Mortgages and Financial Wellbeing, which involves bringing together the end to end running of the Society’s residential and buy to let mortgages, home insurance protection and investment businesses. Prior to joining Nationwide, Rachael spent the previous decade working in various roles across Europe, Africa and Asia with Barclaycard.
Stephen Noakes - Director of Retail
Stephen joined Nationwide in April 2023 to lead the Retail function. His responsibilities include end to end accountability for the development and running of Retail Products, as well as the Society’s branch, telephony, digital channel and operations teams. Stephen joined from Lloyds Banking Group where he spent 15 years in leadership roles in Retail Products, Customer Services, Digital and Transformation. Before Lloyds Banking Group, Stephen held a number of senior positions at Vodafone, PepsiCo and in consulting, with an enduring focus on the customer and transforming customer experience.
Tom Riley – Director of Retail Products
Tom is the Director of Retail Products at Nationwide Building Society, responsible for all banking, savings and unsecured lending products. Tom joined Nationwide in 2007, originally managing the Society’s buy to let mortgages, before taking on responsibility for Nationwide’s owner-occupied residential mortgage products in 2009. Since 2014 he has been focused on meeting our members’ banking and savings needs; starting as Director of Savings before adding business savings, current accounts, credit cards and personal loans to his responsibilities. In 2022 he became a member of the Executive Committee.
Mandy Beech – Director of Retail Services
Mandy Beech is a member of Nationwide Building Society’s Executive Committee, Director of Retail Services with ultimate responsibility for the branch network, contact centre, back office operations and digital chat messaging. Mandy has an MBA from Bath University and joined the Student Loans Company board in October 2024. Specialising in retail distribution, Mandy is experienced in strategy development and execution, with significant expertise in leading change to unlock greater business value and meet changing customer needs. With over 30 years’ experience in Retail Banking, Mandy has led on Nationwide’s service strategy, which has seen it move to its current market leading position. Mandy’s approach combines insight, collaboration and innovation resulting in industry leading colleague engagement from the 5,000+ colleagues she leads.