Virgin Money has appointed former Citi HR leader Syreeta Brown as group chief people and communications officer.
The Newcastle-based organisation, which has more than 8,000 employees, said Brown would help it achieve digital growth.
Brown spent 11 years in a number of HR roles at rival bank Citi, most recently as managing director, head of HR for global functions, operations and technology, and led the HR strategy for 20,000 employees across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Before that, she worked at BT Group for 11 years in a number of senior roles.
Virgin Money said she brought “a wealth of experience in cultural transformation, talent development and building a workforce that is fit for the future” The organisation added that she has “hands-on, senior-level experience embedding a digital agenda within a major financial services business”.
David Duffy, chief executive of Virgin Money, said: “Syreeta’s experience, particularly in cultural transformation and on the digital agenda, will bring huge benefits as we enter our new phase of digital growth, supported by our talented and empowered workforce that is set up for the post-Covid-19 (Coronavirus) environment.”
Brown holds an executive masters in HR leadership and completed the HR Executive Programme at the University of Michigan. She won the ‘Leader in Financial Services’ category at the 2018 Black British Business Awards.
“It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining Virgin Money, as it launches a compelling new package for colleagues that reflects its modern and progressive outlook,” said Brown. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the great work already underway to embed a digital-first culture across the organisation as Virgin Money accelerates its growth agenda.”
Virgin Money made a profit of £474 million in the 12 months to the end of September 2021, after recording heavy losses the prior year.
