This appointment comes during a period of record-breaking growth for the Edinburgh-based ethical financial services organisation, which has seen its lending exceed £25 million for the first time in its 35-year history. Recent half year results also highlighted a record month of lending of over £1.1 million in February alone.

Mr Thomson has extensive experience of both UK and international markets and will be responsible for elevating CCU’s branding.

He said: “I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Capital. I am deeply passionate about the credit union’s brand and I am committed to leveraging my expertise to facilitate its expansion into untapped markets.”

His role will focus on continuing the organisation’s impressive recent growth particularly aiming to increase the number of partnerships with employers helping to give their staff access to ethical financial products. He will also lead the fair fan finance initiative in conjunction with Scotland’s top football clubs providing loans to help supporters buy their season tickets.

CCU’s chief executive, Marlene Shiels, said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to our senior team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to marketing will be instrumental in driving forward our growth strategies.”