OSB Group PLC tapped Enrique Alvarez Labiano to serve as its next CEO. The London-listed specialist lender announced the decision Friday after a wide-ranging search led by Chairman David Weymouth. Alvarez Labiano, currently CEO of Retail and Business Banking at Santander UK plc and an executive director there, will take the helm pending approval from regulators. His start date remains to be set.

The appointment caps a process that weighed internal and external candidates with help from a global search firm. Alvarez Labiano joined Santander Group in 2015. He advanced through key strategy posts, including group head of strategy and chief of staff to the executive chair. During that stretch, he oversaw the group’s insurance business and responsible banking efforts. He shifted to the UK in 2019 as head of strategy and corporate development. By 2020, he led as chief people officer. He took charge of everyday banking in 2021 and rose to CEO of retail and business banking in 2023. He joined Santander UK’s board in February 2025. Before Santander, Alvarez Labiano spent eight years as a partner at McKinsey & Company. He earned an MEng from Pontificia Comillas University and an MBA from INSEAD.

Alvarez Labiano steps in for Andy Golding, whose retirement plans surfaced November 13, 2025. Golding will stay on as a board director and group CEO until his successor arrives. He and the executive team plan to press ahead with the group’s strategy, hitting 2026 financial targets laid out in a March 2025 investor update.

David Weymouth, OSB Group’s chairman, praised the pick. “Enrique brings compelling strategic vision having extensive experience leading group-level strategy at Santander,” Weymouth said. “His strong track record in retail and business banking, together with his excellent leadership experience will be instrumental in building on the strengths of the existing management team.”

Alvarez Labiano voiced enthusiasm. “I am honoured to have been chosen to lead OSBG, a Company with a clear commitment to its customers,” he said. “I look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to build on the strong foundations and strategy already in place and to continue supporting customers, communities and shareholders.”

Golding offered a warm send-off. “Enrique will be warmly welcomed at OSBG and will be supported by a highly committed and experienced team across the Group as it continues to deliver on its purpose,” he said. “I wish him every success as he takes the business forward.”

OSB Group disclosed no additional details required under listing rule LR 6.4.8R about Alvarez Labiano. A statement on Golding’s remuneration, per section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006, will appear on the company’s website soon, as previously noted.

Founded as OneSavings Bank plc, OSB began banking operations February 1, 2011. It listed on the London Stock Exchange’s main market in June 2014 and entered the FTSE 250 in June 2015. The group bought Charter Court Financial Services Group plc on October 4, 2019. OSB Group PLC took over as the listed holding company November 30, 2020. Regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, it operates in two segments: OneSavings Bank and Charter Court Financial Services.

OneSavings Bank chases growth in niches like private rented sector buy-to-let, commercial mortgages, residential development finance, and specialist residential lending. It sources loans via brokers under brands such as Rely, Kent Reliance for Intermediaries, and InterBay Commercial. Retail savings through Kent Reliance—online, postal, and South East England branches—provide core funding. Securitizations and Bank of England facilities add diversification.

Charter Court Financial Services zeroes in on buy-to-let and specialist residential mortgages, plus servicing, administration, and savings. Brands include Precise Mortgages and Charter Savings Bank. Automated systems drive efficiency, risk control, and quick innovation, fueling balance sheet expansion with solid credit quality. Like OSB, it leans on retail savings with securitizations and central bank support.

Investor relations contacts include Alexander Holcroft at 01634 838 973 or [email protected]. Brunswick Group’s Robin Wrench and Simone Selzer handle media at 020 7404 5959. Jason Elphick, group general counsel and company secretary, oversaw the announcement’s release.