Newcastle Building Society has confirmed the departure of its finance director with effect from spring 2010.

The North East-based mutual would not give specific details about the circumstances surrounding Wilkinson’s departure, only to say that he was pursuing career development opportunities elsewhere.

It is understood that Wilkinson will continue to work at the Newcastle for several months during his notice period and will see through to fruition the year-end results.

A replacement finance director will be sought in January although Wilkinson has enjoyed a long career in both mutual and publicly listed financial organisations, including director positions at Nationwide Building Society and Alliance & Leicester.

The mutual has now witnessed the departure of two finance directors within a 12-month period.