John Eastgate

SAFFRON Building Society has appointed John Eastgate as sales and marketing director.

Mr Eastgate will be based at the society's head office in Saffron Walden and will be responsible for the leadership and management of its retail sales and marketing.

This will include the management of its network of 12 branches, Saffron Direct, Saffron Insure and Saffron Independent Financial Advisers businesses.

He joins the business after five years with global information services where he was head of banking for its Decision Analytics division, providing consultancy services to leading UK banks.

Before this, he led the UK financial services practice for US software firm BroadVision and prior to that was with Barclays for 10 years where he took on a number of management roles after arriving as a graduate.

Mr Eastgate, who is married with two sons, said he was “enormously attracted” to working in the mutual sector where the message that members come first is very clear.

“This member focus gives mutuals a definite competitive advantage, particularly in the current marketplace,” he said.

“I am delighted to be joining a business with such great potential and am committed to continuing Saffron's outstanding work in its provision of quality products and services to members.”

The building society's chief executive Andy Golding said they were “delighted” to welcome him to the society.

“His experience in the financial sector brings a valuable fresh perspective, and I am positive he will be a real asset to the team.”