Ms Poot joins Virgin Money from ING Bank, where she spent over 20 years in a number of commercial and risk roles, the most recent of which was Chief Risk Officer, Retail Banking. In this role she was responsible for setting the standards for credit risk, compliance and operational risk management across all of ING’s retail markets, managing a team of over 1,000 people and overseeing a lending book of €400 billion. Susan was also Chief Risk Officer, Challenger and Growth Countries (C&G) during this period with responsibility for Chief Risk Officers in all of ING’s global C&G markets.

Ms Poot brings with her a wealth of experience across a range of risk disciplines, with broad banking experience in the first and second line, across both retail and wholesale banking. She also has a track record of working in different geographies, including three years in India as Chief Risk Officer & Chief Compliance officer at ING Vysya Bank, which at the time was the seventh largest private sector bank in India.

She holds an MBA in Business Economics from The University of Amsterdam and completed the Executive Banking Programme: Management at INSEAD Business School, Fontainebleau.

Susan Poot said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining Virgin Money as it takes the next steps in its digital transformation. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience as the organisation accelerates its digital first strategy and develops exciting new customer propositions.”

David Duffy, Virgin Money CEO, added: “Susan’s knowledge and experience will be instrumental in fulfilling our ambitious growth-led digital agenda. Building on the strong foundations we already have in place I look forward to working closely with her as she brings her strategic vision and commercial mindset to the role.”

Ms Poot will replace the current Group Chief Risk Officer, Mark Thundercliffe, who is retiring after a suitable handover and advisory period.