Our Board helps make sure the Vernon is run in the best interests of our members, today and for the future. They guide and oversee the Society, making sure we meet our regulatory responsibilities and have the right controls in place.
Made up of executive and non-executive directors, our Board brings together different experience and perspectives to help us make the right decisions for our members and the communities we serve.
September 2019
Michael has held a number of senior roles managing retail financial services businesses within banking. He also has an extensive background in financial risk management, covering several senior positions. Michael became Chair in January 2023.
January 2018
Jenny is a Chartered Management Accountant with many years of Board level experience in the financial services sector. Jenny brings experience of managing organisational change and financial risk management, having held senior level roles both with a major building society and a high street bank.
March 2022
Ken has over 25 years’ experience leading financial services businesses. He held Board positions in regulated firms in the UK and Ireland and was previously CEO of Ireland’s largest mortgage lender, AIB Mortgage Bank. He runs a successful strategic advisory business and has extensive strategic, commercial and risk skills.
April 2020
Paula became Chair of the Remuneration Committee in November 2021. A former commercial real estate lawyer with over 30 years’ experience, she served on the Boards of two international law firms. She was Vice Chair of Opera North and the first female President of Leeds Chamber of Commerce. Paula is also a Non-Executive Director at a large accountancy firm, a hotel company director, and a qualified executive coach.
October 2023
Steve has over 20 years experience in leading digital transformations, sales and marketing and customer communications in large regulated businesses. Steve is currently the CEO of a successful fibre broadband business.
September 2026
Anthony has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, having held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group, United Arab Bank, Tandem Bank and Nottingham Building Society. A Chartered Management Accountant, he brings extensive strategic, financial, governance and risk expertise, alongside significant Board experience.
December 2024
Darren is CEO of the Society, bringing over two decades of experience in the building society sector. He has held Executive and Board positions at other Societies, including serving as Deputy CEO at Leek Building Society. Darren has a proven track record of developing a strong culture, driving strategic transformation, and delivering excellent business results.
September 2016
Judith is a Chartered Accountant and an Associate Member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers. She has extensive knowledge of managing financial risk, having held senior positions in Treasury and Finance in a high street bank.
