The Co-operative Bank has welcomed Andrea Melville as chief executive to her new job this week.
She also becomes Group Chief Commercial officer at parent group the Coventry Building Society, with responsibility for the Group’s trading performance and supporting the Group’s ongoing integration plans.
But her accession to the role as the Bank’s new CEO marks a milestone moment for the organisation. With Jo Kenrick already serving as Chair, this move means The Co-operative Bank becomes the only UK high street bank run entirely by women at the highest level.
Jo Kenrick
Both women bring a wealth of experience to the Bank and the Group as a whole. Andrea Melville has over 20 years of experience in financial services in the UK and abroad, including personal, commercial and private banking, having held senior roles at Santander and Lloyd’s Bank. Jo Kenrick’s career spans over 35 years and multiple sectors, including non-executive experience in utilities, financial services and property, and executive experience in retail, home improvement and house-building.
Female leadership has been an important part of The Co-operative Bank’s long-established history. Over 70 years before women in the UK got the vote, the Rochdale Pioneers who founded The Co-operative Wholesale Society*, established a democratic approach for all members, including women. Appointment of its first female Chief Executive marks a new chapter in diverse leadership for the high street bank.
Jo Kenrick, Chair of The Co-operative Bank, said: “We are proud to welcome Andrea as the new CEO of The Co-operative Bank. Her track record of innovation, strategic thinking and customer-first leadership makes her the ideal person to guide us through the next chapter. While our focus remains firmly on delivering value for our members and customers, this moment also stands as a symbol of what inclusive leadership can look like at the very top of UK financial services”.
Andrea Melville, incoming CEO, said: “I’m honoured to join Coventry Building Society and The Co-operative Bank at such an exciting time. The values and strong heritage of both organisations align closely with my own and I’m looking forward to sharing my expertise in both retail and business banking and driving positive change for our customers, members and communities. I’m really looking forward to working with Jo and the wider leadership team to build on our strength and successes.”