With 15 years of retail financial services experience, Sara brings a wealth of talent and expertise from holding senior brand and marketing roles at Nationwide and Barclays. Prior to this, Sara worked in advertising agencies in the UK and Asia on a range of well-known brands.

Sara also brings experience as a non-executive director as she holds current positions at DUAL UK and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Speaking about the appointment, Sara Bennison said: “For me, mutuals most definitely matter. When you dig back into history, you see the extraordinary change they brought about, enabling people to achieve things together which would have been impossible alone, by saving wisely and becoming homeowners.

“That purpose, to improve the lives of members in West Brom and beyond, is as core now as it was back on St George’s Day 1849 when the Society’s Founders first met in Paradise Street Methodist School Rooms. Being a custodian of that legacy for this generation of members with all the challenges they face is a great privilege.”

John Maltby, the Society’s Chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sara to the West Brom and our board. Her skills and experience will complement the range of expertise we have and add real value for our members.”