Chief executive of CAF Bank Peter Mitchell has left after five years in his role and thirteen years with the organisation in total.

Mitchell joined CAF Bank in 2000 as chief operating officer, and was promoted to the position of chief executive in 2008.

Barry Meeks replaces him as interim CEO, joining CAF from Home & Savings, a privately-funded specialist savings and mortgage bank.

Mitchell told civilsociety.co.uk that his greatest achievements included inspiring intense team loyalty and building a team “focused on quality customer service to deliver improved and ethical business performance.”

He continued: “This has been particularly so since the onset of the banking crisis in 2008/9 with CAF Bank’s performance remaining robust when many small and larger banks have suffered immense volatility.

“During my time at CAF Bank I also led, amongst many initiatives, the launch of our online banking service and the first ‘business debit card’ for charities.”

Mitchell explained that after thirteen years at CAF Bank and having turned fifty last year, he chose to leave to seek new challenges and was presently considering which direction to take next.

A CAF spokesman said: "Peter chose to leave the bank to seek new challenges and we wish him every success in the future.

"Barry Meeks is leading CAF Bank on an interim basis while we make a permanent appointment."