Nottingham Building Society names CTO
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Russ initially joined the 176-year-old mutual in March 2025 as a strategic advisor in an interim capacity from Shawbrook Bank, a specialist bank where he spearheaded a comprehensive multi-year digital transformation, from creating the strategy and its roadmap to delivering its execution.
He replaces Paul Howley, who departs in July following three successful years at the organisation following his appointment as the organisation's first ever Chief Technology and Transformation Officer in 2022.
Russ brings 34 years of experience in leading digital transformations to drive business growth, having also held senior leadership positions at Cofunds, Legal & General, Aegon, and WorldRemit. He will now be responsible for the delivery of Nottingham Building Society's core banking and mortgage transformation strategies.
Speaking about the appointment, Sue Hayes, Chief Executive Officer at Nottingham Building Society, said: 'Russ brings deep expertise and a proven track record of delivering digital transformation at pace and scale. Since joining us earlier this year, he's had a great impact, and I know he will continue to do so as he leads our transformation programme.
'He has successfully delivered complex transformation across banks, fintechs, and global financial services institutions, including most recently at Shawbrook, where his work played a key role in more than doubling the bank's loan book and deposits while radically improving digital experiences for customers and brokers alike.
'This is a pivotal moment for the Society pivotal as we prepare to launch new technology that will transform the mortgage experience for brokers, borrowers, and colleagues alike. Russ shares our values, our purpose, and our belief in building a modern mutual that serves real lives.
'With over three decades of experience, Russ has led enterprise-wide technology strategies, built and scaled high-performing engineering and product teams, and driven operational excellence through innovation. He brings not only technical depth, but also the leadership and cultural insight needed to embed lasting change that puts the customer first.'
Sue added: 'We pass our thanks on to Paul Howley for everything he has done during his time with us. Paul's legacy is not only the systems and structures he helped deliver, but the culture he helped shape.'
Russ Thornton added: 'I'm extremely excited to join the Society at such a transformative point to continue to deliver on its purpose and promise to its members and communities. That sense of purpose and its ambition to serve members who don't fit the traditional mould was really attractive to be part of.
'Under Paul's guidance, the team has made fantastic progress modernising its mortgage and savings platforms, and I'm looking forward to building on that momentum. My focus will be on ensuring we have the right capabilities, controls and culture in place to grow with confidence and deliver great outcomes for our members and broker partners.'
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