Andy Mielczarek has stepped down as chief executive officer (CEO) at Chetwood Financial, almost a decade after co-founding the firm.

He will be replaced by Paul Noble, subject to regulatory approval, who joins the company from JN Bank UK, where he was CEO of the firm, which provides products and services including savings accounts, loans and mortgages.

Mielczarek has been Chetwood CEO since its inception, having previously worked as deputy head at HSBC’s UK retail bank, and also served as commercial director and head of retail products at HSBC Europe.

He has also held roles at M&S Bank, MBNA and Charles Schwab.

Mielczarek said: "From opening our first office in Wrexham and getting a banking licence, to taking billions of pounds in deposits and expanding into different markets, the company has gone from strength to strength over the years. It’s a testament to the brilliant people who work here, and the unwavering focus on creating financial products that make people better off.

"After 10 years, now’s the right time for me to hand over the reins to someone new. There are such exciting, bold plans for Chetwood over the coming months and years, and now’s a logical time for a change in leadership to inject fresh life into the business and guide it through the next stage of its journey – I’ve no doubt Paul is the right person to do just that, and I wish him and the entire organisation all the very best."

Prior to JN Bank, Noble worked at Pollen Street Capital for six years, leading the investment into Tandem Bank, which was complemented with additional business acquisitions.

He also previously co-founded 118 118 to provide an alternative for customers unable to borrow from their bank.

Noble stated: "I am delighted to join Chetwood Financial. Andy and the team have built a brilliant digital bank here, and the opportunity to now help drive the company forward was one that I simply had to grab with both hands. There are really exciting plans in place, and I can’t wait to play my part. The emphasis will remain on delivering exceptional products and service to all our customers, but we have ambitions to enter new markets and fast-track our growth in the future."

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