ANDY Golding, chief executive at the Essex-based Saffron Building Society for the past five years, is to leave the society at the end of this year to become chief executive at One Savings Bank.

Mr Golding joined the Saffron Walden-based society in from Bradford & Bingley in 2004 as sales and marketing director, and was appointed chief executive in 2006.

Saffron chairman Peter Harrison said: “I would like to thank Andy for his enormous contribution to Saffron’s success over the last seven years, and in particular for his stewardship of the business during the most turbulent economic conditions seen in several generations.

“He has overseen a period in which, despite difficult market conditions, Saffron has grown in scale and in presence on the national stage.

“The board is committed to continuing Andy’s good work and has already commenced the search for his successor. I wish Andy well in his new role,” he added.