After nearly nine years serving on the board of Penrith Building Society, Rob Cairns has retired as chairman.
Having begun as a trainee manager at the Abbey National Building Society in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1975, Rob has spent his career serving the building society and mutual sector.
After joining the Cumberland Building Society in 1983, as assistant secretary, he rose through the ranks to deputy chief executive, leaving in 1997 to take over as chief executive of the Furness Building Society, Barrow-in-Furness, until 2011.
In 2013, Rob joined the board of directors at the Penrith Building Society, quickly stepping up as chairman, and has remained a huge asset to the society.
Upon his retirement, Rob will retain a small number of directorships, but hopes to be able to spend more time focusing on his passions of watching sport and travelling with his wife, Lesley.
The society thanked Rob for his service and commitment and wished him well for the future.
Will Lindsay has been appointed as the new chairman, from his role as non-executive director, after receiving approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Tim Bowen, chief executive of the society, said: “I want to thank Rob for his dedication and support since he joined the society, as well as to the mutual sector as a whole.
“I, and all associated with the society, wish him a long and happy retirement. I am also delighted that Will has now been appointed chairman, and I very much look forward to working with him driving the society forward.”