A MUTUAL has appointed a new finance director.

Darlington Building Society (DBS) has welcomed Christopher White to the role.

Born in Middlesbrough, Mr White joined DBS in 2012 as general manager of finance, having previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he managed the society’s external audit relationship.

A chartered accountant and member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, his promotion comes as the mutual moves online, in a bid to help nurture the next generation of savers.

Last month, The Northern Echo reported how it will add mobile mortgage and saving services to traditional over the counter offerings.

It will also look at fitting machines in branches to count cash from youngsters’ piggybanks, to help them understand the value of saving.

Mr White said: “We are entering an exciting new chapter as we build for the future with new technology-based services, further investment in our branch network and an even greater involvement in our local communities.

"I'm looking forward to my new role and the fresh challenges ahead."

He replaces Janice Lincoln, who has retired after 39 years’ service, and James Ramsbotham, DBS chairman, said the company had made a strong appointment.

He said: “Christopher was an outstanding candidate for this key role and the members can rest assured the society’s finances are in safe hands.”

Under its expansion, DBS says customers could be applying for mortgages digitally by the end of the year, with saving accounts following in 2016.

Bosses confirmed its branches and traditional red passbooks will not be affected in any changes.