Skipton Building Society has announced the appointment of Margaret Longden as its new head of corporate investments.

Margaret joined the Skipton Group in June 2001 as a member of the management team that set up one of the group's newest subsidiary companies -- Skipton Business Finance Ltd -- in October 2001.

In her new role she will be responsible for managing the whole acquisition process, which includes analysing and shortlisting potential new subsidiaries and acting as an intermediary between the group, external professional bodies and the subsidiary company, both during the project and post acquisition.

She has a wealth of experience within the financial services industry, particularly in the business to business market, working in the corporate banking sector and most recently in the invoice finance sector.

Margaret also spent a period of time working in industry as finance director for a distribution company. She recently finished her MBA at Manchester Business School, where she was awarded the CIM prize for best graduating executive student in marketing.

Margaret is married to Paul and they are expecting their first child at the end of October. Her hobbies include socialising, aerobics and playing golf, pastimes which she is making the most of before their new arrival.

Commenting on her new appointment, Margaret said: "In the relatively short time I have worked within the Skipton Group I have been impressed with the innovative culture that exists and the quality and commitment shown by the staff within the business.

"It is an exciting prospect to be part of the unique and progressive acquisition strategy which sets the Skipton apart from its competitors.

"I am very much looking forward to working with a talented and enthusiastic team, and to building on and contributing towards the success already achieved by the group."