Nationwide Building Society appoints new COO, Suresh Viswanathan

UK-based Nationwide Building Society – the world’s largest building society with 16 million members and 18,000 employees – has appointed a new chief operating officer (COO), Suresh Viswanathan.

Suresh Viswanathan, new COO at Nationwide Building Society

Nationwide says Viswanathan “has extensive experience in delivering data-led technology and digital transformation with a focus on improving customer experience”. Over the past decade, he has held COO roles at UK high street banks Barclays and, more recently, TSB (you can read an exclusive interview with him here when he was at TSB).

“His passion to do the right thing for members and colleagues, coupled with his wide-ranging expertise and industry connections, will prove invaluable as we improve our digital capability,” says Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide.

She adds that the building society is moving to “the next chapter in its digital ambitions” with Viswanathan’s appointment.

Nationwide is among the UK’s largest providers for mortgages, savings and current accounts, as well as being a major provider of individual savings accounts (ISAs), credit cards, personal loans, insurance and investments.

“As a mutual organisation, Nationwide uses its unique position to help rebuild society by making a positive difference to the lives of its members and the communities in which they live,” the company states.

“It is why Nationwide still values a branch network, supports communities through charitable grants, and places a premium on helping people thrive financially – whether helping them into a home of their own or giving them the financial support they need.

“Taking a stand and making a difference is what sets Nationwide apart.”