TSB appoints Debbie Crosbie as new chief executive after online banking meltdown

She will be tasked with rebuilding customer trust in the bank after a series of tech issues left thousands unable to access their cash earlier this year

The bank lost thousands of customers after IT failures (PA)

TSB has appointed Debbie Crosbie as its chief executive after Paul Pester stepped down due to IT failures earlier this year.

Ms Crosbie, who is currently chief operating officer at Virgin Money owner CYBG Group and previously worked at Clydesdale Bank, will now join the challenger bank in 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

Her appointment comes as TSB attempts to rebuild its reputation after a series of tech problems, which led to a parliamentary investigation.

Nearly two million customers lost access to online banking services in April during the bungled introduction of a new computer system. Thousands have since left the bank and the fiasco cost it £176m.

Richard Meddings, executive chair, said: “Debbie’s appointment is another step forward against the three priorities we set out in September, namely completing the work of putting things right for customers, achieving full functionality across all TSB products and services, and appointing the right CEO for the next chapter of TSB.

“As we look to the new year, TSB can now look forward with renewed ambition.”

Ms Crosbie said: “A lot of banks talk about creating the right culture, but TSB has it.

“The exciting thing about TSB is just how much potential the bank has to redefine banking to better serve customers and their changing financial needs.

“TSB has all the right ingredients to be the leading challenger bank in the UK.”