She will join the society on April 20 2011.
Gordon Horsfield, chairman of N&P, says: “I’m delighted N&P has secured someone of Anne’s calibre to lead the society through the next phase. Anne has had a long career in retail financial services and brings a real understanding both of our mutual business model, with its strong focus on customer service, and the management of change.”
Gunther adds: “I’m delighted to accept the chief executive role at N&P. The society has a strong heritage to fall back on, following a difficult year, and I join with the prospect of a merger ahead. I look forward to the challenge of leading N&P through the next phase of its life and continuing to support our members and local communities.”
Previously Gunther was managing director of direct channels at Lloyds TSB, including Internet banking and responsibility for transforming the bank’s call centres from cost to income centres.
Her career in banking began with NatWest, which she joined as a graduate management trainee in 1976 and ultimately progressed to head of telephony for its retail division, via time as marketing director for NatWest Home Loans.
