Santander UK appoints new COO and head of technology

Pinilla will join the business from Santander Group to become the UK division’s new head of technology and innovations. Bringing with her more than 20 years’ worth of experience driving business and IT transformation programmes in financial services, she currently heads up Santander’s global technology and operation office, as well as its IT delivery. 

White, meanwhile, will join the firm from Yorkshire Building Society as its new chief operating officer - subject to regulatory approval. He brings with him more than 25 years worth of experience in banking operations and transformation having worked for Allied Irish, Clydesdale and National Australia banks - and was once head of operations at Abbey National. 

Commenting on the news, Santander UK’s chief executive Mike Regnier said: “I am delighted to welcome both Elisabet and Stephen to Santander UK. I look forward to working with them as we continue to focus on helping people and businesses prosper.”