The North East’s largest building society has appointed Manila McLean as chief information officer (CIO) and newest member of its Executive Team.
With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, Manila joined Newcastle Building Society’s technology subsidiary Newcastle Strategic Solutions last year as its digital director, following 10 years as head of digital at Tesco Bank.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of CIO and join the Executive Team at Newcastle Building Society,” said Manila. “Our digital profile is particularly strong and through Newcastle Strategic Solutions, we’re a market leading provider of technology solutions for the financial services sector.
“The industry as a whole faces significant challenges following the Covid-19 outbreak and we’re seeing businesses around the world begin to adapt to a ‘new normal’ and put an even greater demand on technology. At Newcastle Building Society this means ensuring the technology we develop helps to deliver and meet the future needs of our customers, clients and colleagues, and I’m looking forward to helping the Society continue its digital journey.”
Originally from Glasgow, Manila has worked in Germany and throughout the UK and is now settled in the North East with her family. Manila is on the judging panel for the UK Digital Experience Awards, and a member of the Steering Group for the Dynamo Fintech Cluster.
Manila added: “I’m passionate about developing female talent within technology and I’m excited about the future of the industry in our region. We’re blessed with a vibrant tech scene but we need to continue to work together to harness that potential and ensure we attract and retain the top digital and tech talent.”
Andrew Haigh, chief executive at Newcastle Building Society, said: “I’m delighted that Manila has accepted the new role of CIO here at the Society. Manila brings a unique set of skills and experience in customer-focused digital technologies and her leadership will be increasingly relevant as we continue to develop our proposition and customer experience for both the Society and Newcastle Strategic Solutions. I’m looking forward to her playing a key role as part of our Executive Team in the years ahead.”