Newcastle Building Society has appointed BOB MOTTERSHEAD as head of retail sales.

Bob will have responsibility for overseeing the branch network, Newcastle Financial Services Ltd (NFSL) and the investment division of the Society's contact centre.

He will also oversee Newcastle Lifetime Mortgages, a service set up to offer advice and recommendation on equity release and other lifetime mortgage products.

Mr Mottershead has more than 34 years' experience in the financial services industry and has held senior managerial positions in organisations such as Zurich Life.

The 52-year old is also a former assistant general manager of financial services at West Bromwich Building Society.

Robert Hollinshead, chief executive of Newcastle Building Society, said: "I am delighted to welcome Bob to the society. His role as head of retail sales is an extremely important one to the society and he will be overseeing many key areas of the business. He brings with him a wealth of experience which should more than equip him for the task ahead of him."