60 seconds with - Brian Brodie, Operations Director, Virgin Money
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What was the appeal of joining Virgin Money?
It’s good to be part of a new force in UK banking. Virgin Money has a fantastic opportunity to change banking and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.
What skills do you bring from HML to Virgin Money?
I have experience in leading the redesign of operational businesses. Much of what we did at HML was to transform the business model to deliver improvements in service and operational stability. I passionately believe we can design an operations business that can deliver what customers want and more.
What innovations do you think Virgin Money will bring to the intermediary market?
It’s a case of watch this space.
What do you think needs to be done to restart the mortgage market?
It is not just the mortgage market, but the housing market that we need to restart. Many of our economic problems can be helped by a more active housing market. The government is trying hard and its mortgage indemnity guarantee scheme to help first-time buyers is a great start. It is important to support people to get on the housing ladder and lend to them in a responsible manner. Overall we need to get the economy working again and improve consumer confidence.
If you were in charge at the Financial Services Authority for a day, what would you change?
I would make financial education part of the maths curriculum in schools to create a financially aware generation.
If you could invite three people to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
Sir Ernest Shackleton - a brilliant leader and explorer, and I have always been fascinated by the Arctic/Antarctic. Stephen Fry - an excellent raconteur who knows lots of interesting facts. My gran - she is 103 and has some great insights into modern history.
Do you have any secret talents?
I play the bagpipes - badly.
Apart from your house, what has been your most extravagant purchase?
My Range Rover Sport.
What book are you reading?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Interview by Natalie Thomas
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