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James Ramsbotham CBE DL
Chair
James became Chair of Newcastle Building Society in August 2021. Prior to this, he was Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, and Chairman of Darlington Building Society until December 2017.
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Andrew Haigh
Chief Executive
With over 25 years’ experience in the mutual sector, Andrew has an extensive track record in transforming and developing businesses. He has held financial services leadership roles as both an Executive and a Non-Executive Director, reinforcing the Board’s depth of consumer understanding.
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Adam Bennett
Non-Executive Director
Adam joined the Board in April 2019. He is the Senior Independent Director and a member of the Society’s Group Risk Committee, the Audit Committee and the Group Technology Governance Committee, upholding the Society’s commitments to financial control, integrity and regulation.
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Rory Campbell
Non-Executive Director
Rory joined the Board as non-executive director in June 2023. He brings to the Board his extensive experience as a senior executive, Board member and advisor to leaders and organisations in a range of industries including financial services, retail, technology, professional services, education and the third sector.
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Karen McDonagh Reynolds
Non-Executive Director
The Board will benefit from Karen’s passion for cultivating trust-based, high-performance cultures, and belief in empowering individuals to thrive by playing to their strengths. Her people-first philosophy underpins her approach to leadership and Board governance, aligning seamlessly with Newcastle Building Society’s ethos.
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Mick Thompson
Deputy Chair and Non-Executive Director
Mick joined the Board in January 2019, and brings significant accountancy experience with a deep knowledge of audit to support the Society’s governance and audit function. His diverse skillset and broad range of perspectives derive from vast sector experience that has seen him work in industries including housebuilding, social housing, education, engineering, charities, and financial services.
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Richard Gabbertas
Non-Executive Director
Richard was with KPMG for almost 40 years, and as a partner he led its building society practice for 23 years, advising and auditing a wide range of societies, from the largest to the smallest. In his advisory roles Richard specialised in regulation, governance, risk management and mergers and acquisitions.
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Andrew Conroy
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, including a number of senior roles in both building societies and banking institutions. Having worked within finance, treasury and corporate strategy, Andrew has developed strong technical skills in financial accounting and treasury risk management.
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Lucy Winskell
Non-Executive Director
Lucy Winskell joined the Board in April 2026. Lucy served as Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Employability and Partnerships) at Northumbria University for 12 years until 2022, when she stepped down following her appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.
