After more than 12 years of dedicated service, Swansea Building Society is saying thank you to Simon Darshan, who retires having played a significant role in one of the most transformative periods in the Society's history.
Simon joined the Society in 2014, when total assets were around £225 million, the mortgage book stood at approximately £145 million, there were just 28 members of staff, and the Society operated from two branches in Swansea and Mumbles.
Over the following decade, Simon has helped oversee remarkable growth. Today, the Society has total assets in excess of £737 million, a mortgage book of more than £605 million, branches in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, and is preparing to open a new branch in Abergavenny.
Throughout his career at the Society, Simon has been responsible for underwriting, managing mortgage arrears and forbearance, and leading the Mortgage Department. During this time, annual mortgage lending has increased from around £28 million to well over £117 million, while maintaining exceptionally low arrears levels and consistently strong audit outcomes.
Simon also played a leading role in a number of key projects and regulatory developments, including the successful digitisation of the Society's mortgage files, helping members through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and guiding the Society through significant changes in mortgage regulation. His work on lending policy and credit risk has helped ensure the Society's continued growth has been built on strong, responsible foundations.
Reflecting on his time at the Society, Simon said:
"I've really enjoyed my role and the responsibility I was entrusted with. Swansea Building Society has always had a family feel, where people are valued for who they are rather than simply as numbers. I've had the privilege of working alongside some fantastic colleagues, and I'll always look back on my time here with great fondness."
Looking back on the advice he would give to someone starting their career in financial services, Simon added:
"Bring a good attitude to your work, always try to do the right thing, take pride in doing a good job and take responsibility for your own development. The rewards may not always come when you expect them, but they will come."
Chief Executive Officer Alun Williams paid tribute to Simon's contribution:
"Simon has made an outstanding contribution to Swansea Building Society over the past 12 years. His professionalism, knowledge and commitment have helped shape our mortgage operations during one of the most successful periods in the Society's history.
He has played a key role in supporting our growth while ensuring we maintained the high standards of lending, governance and customer care that our members expect. His calm approach, technical expertise and willingness to support colleagues have earned him enormous respect throughout the Society.
On behalf of everyone at Swansea Building Society, I would like to thank Simon for his dedication and friendship over the years. We wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement."
As Simon begins his retirement, he leaves behind a lasting legacy and a Society that is significantly stronger than when he joined. His influence can be seen not only in the growth of the mortgage business, but also in the systems, processes and people he has helped develop along the way.
We wish Simon every happiness in his retirement and thank him for the dedication, integrity and care he has shown throughout his time at Swansea Building Society.