People: Leeds Building Society appoints director of business transformation; New director at Armstrong Watson; and more
Leeds Building Society has appointed Nick Young as its new Director of Business Transformation to further enhance member and colleague experience.
Young has a background in commercial management and strategic change delivery. He joins the Society from Lloyds Banking Group customer products team where he was responsible for successfully delivering a number of high-profile change initiatives across the savings and personal current account businesses.
In the new role of Director of Business Transformation, Young will be focusing on simplifying processes to drive performance improvements for members and colleagues.
He said: “Leeds Building Society is a successful independent building society with a clear and sustainable growth strategy.
“I’m looking forward to working for an organisation committed to investing in the long-term interests of the Society for the benefit of our growing membership.”
Deputy Chief Executive Officer Richard Fearon, said: “Nick’s appointment illustrates our customer focus and he will further enhance our service to members across all channels.
“Nick has a strong track record and background in financial services and I’m sure he will have an instant impact within our commercial division, benefitting members and colleagues alike.”
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Simon Turner has joined Armstrong Watson Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers’ Audit and Assurance team as Director at the firm’s Northallerton office.
Turner was previously a senior manager at KPMG, having worked for RSM Tenon earlier in his career. He has extensive experience in the owner-managed business, education and charity sectors and is expected to play a significant role in the growth of the North Yorkshire team.
Turner said: “This is a very exciting time to be joining a firm with genuine ambition and growth plans. I have been impressed throughout the recruitment process with both the people and the culture at Armstrong Watson. North Yorkshire and the Tees Valley have an abundance of growing businesses and the opportunity to be on the doorstep of both regions is one I cannot wait to meet head on.”
Joanna Gray, Partner and Head of Audit and Assurance, added: “It is great to have someone of Simon’s experience join the Northallerton office and our Audit and Assurance team. With a strong reputation for helping owner-managed and private-equity backed businesses, and the not-for-profit sector, Simon is well placed to ensure clients meet both their statutory requirements and also help prepare them for their next big event, be it retirement, refinancing or a sale transaction.”
Turner’s appointment follows a bumper year for Armstrong Watson – particularly within the Yorkshire region – including the selection of Leeds based Partner Mike Kienlen as the 150 year old firm’s first regionally based Chairman.
Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson CEO and Managing Partner, added: “It’s a very exciting time for Armstrong Watson and it’s fantastic to have Simon join us as we continue our ambitious plans for growth. Throughout the Yorkshire region, the teams have continued to work well together and the collegiate nature of our approach, across all of our service lines and Yorkshire offices, is really adding benefit for our clients as we support, advise and protect companies and individuals throughout their business life cycle.”
