Starling Group has announced that David Sproul will step down as chair of the board later this year after leading the company through five years of expansion and change.

He will remain in post until his successor is appointed, in a process led by Tracy Clarke, senior independent director and chair of the board remuneration committee.

Sproul joined Starling in June 2021 and has served as chair for half the company’s time as a licensed UK bank. During his tenure, Starling has grown from a founder-led challenger into a diversified financial services group.

He has overseen the strengthening of the bank’s governance and risk management, as well as the strategic development of the group, including Starling Bank’s recent brand refresh, the acquisition of Fleet Mortgages and the foundation of its Software-as-a-Service business, Engine by Starling, which has already secured multiple international contracts.

“It has been an honour to serve as chair for the last five years, working closely with Starling’s executive and non-executive team. We have achieved a huge amount together and I know that further progress lies ahead in Starling’s future.

“This feels like the right time for a new chair to work with the refreshed board we have built over the last year and to guide Starling into its next phase of growth and development. I have committed to Tracy that I will continue as chair until a successor is appointed to allow for an orderly transition,” said Sproul.

“David’s guidance was invaluable to me when I started at Starling, and he has remained steadfast in his mission to see the group deliver safe, sustainable growth,” said Raman Bhatia, group chief executive officer. “He should be proud of his leadership in helping to grow and diversify our business, develop our governance infrastructure and enhance our culture.”

Last Month Starling announced that Engine by Starling, its SaaS business, had partnered with New Zealand-based SBS Bank, marking the company's first mutual client in the country and its fourth international deal.

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