Glasgow-based financial mutual firm Scottish Friendly has appointed Stephen Campbell as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Campbell has over 25 years of experience in financial services, working most recently as chief information officer for the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Prior to joining SLC, Campbell held a number of senior technology and operations leadership positions at Accenture, Halifax Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Aegon.

“During his time at Aegon, Stephen was Chief Operating Officer for their business in Ireland, before returning to the UK as Chief Information Officer for their Digital Solutions Practice, as well as heading up IT Design and Delivery,” said Scottish Friendly.

“This involved building deep knowledge and expertise in the organisations life & pensions and wealth management platforms, ensuring the delivery of complex technology and change programmes, as well as strategy development and execution.

“At Scottish Friendly, Campbell will lead and oversee the organisation’s operational and IT functions and their service delivery objectives, ensuring they remain fully aligned to the group’s strategy.

“Stephen will operate as a member of the executive committee and will report directly to the CEO.”

Scottish Friendly CEO Stephen McGee said: “I am delighted that Stephen will be joining us as Chief Operating Officer to lead our Customer Services and Operations functions.

“Stephen has a proven track record within the insurance sector of leading large teams and developing and executing large-scale projects.

“I am delighted to have secured such a strong signing to help take us forward, on our journey, to becoming the UK’s leading mutual insurer.”

Campbell said: “Scottish Friendly is an organisation that I have admired for some time.

“I am therefore extremely proud to now be part of their ambition to further help individuals and their families achieve better financial outcomes through customer care and IT capabilities.”