Leeds Building Society on Thursday announced the appointment of Arlene Cairns of Phoenix Life as its new chief financial officer, subject to regulatory approval.

Leeds Building Society has undergone several major changes in its senior executive team this year.

On Cairns’ appointment, Leeds said: “Following an announcement earlier in the year, advising that Andy Conroy, the CFO would be leaving the society, the board is pleased to announce the appointment of Arlene Cairns, as the new CFO (subject to regulatory approval), from May 2026.

“Arlene joins the Society from Phoenix Life, part of the Phoenix Group, where she has operated as CFO and Group Performance Director.”

The mutual said on November 28 that CEO Richard Fearon is leaving the group after nine years. “Earlier this year (in June), Richard took a period of leave to welcome the arrival of a new baby and having reflected carefully with the chair, they have agreed it is the perfect moment for him to seek a fresh challenge,” said the society.

Leeds Building Society is the UK’s fifth-largest building society with assets of £32 billion and a total membership of 1 million as at the end of June 2025.

The society employs 1,800 staff, with a head office in Leeds, a customer contact centre in Newcastle, and a network of 51 branches across the UK.