UK challenger Atom Bank hires Gareth Jones as new chief risk officer

Atom Bank Appoints New Chief Risk Officer: Key Points

1. New Appointment:
   • Gareth Jones has been appointed as Atom Bank’s new Chief Risk Officer (CRO).
   • He replaces Chris Sparks, who is retiring after nine years at the bank.
2. Gareth Jones’ Background:
   • Jones joins Atom Bank following a 26-year career at The Co-operative Bank.
   • At The Co-operative Bank, he served as CRO and held various roles in product, strategy, finance, and risk management.
3. Responsibilities and Expectations:
   • Jones will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing Atom’s risk-management culture.
   • Atom CEO Mark Mullen highlights Jones’ extensive experience and credentials as vital for the bank’s growth and profitability.
4. Context of the Appointment:
   • The appointment follows Atom Bank’s announcement of its strongest financial results for 2023.
   • The bank reported a 600% increase in operating profit and a 39% increase in its loan book while maintaining robust credit quality and avoiding fraud losses.
5. Gareth Jones’ Perspective:
   • Jones expressed excitement about joining Atom Bank, describing it as “too good an opportunity to pass up.”