GB Bank CEO Mike Says to step down after delivering rapid growth and profitability; Eddie Trahearn appointed successor
GB Bank today announces that chief executive officer Mike Says will retire from his role at the end of April 2026, having led the Bank from pre-authorisation to profitability and sustainable growth in under five years.
He will be succeeded by Eddie Trahearn, currently chief strategy & financial officer, subject to regulatory approval.
Since joining in 2021, Mike has overseen a period of rapid growth and transformation. Under his leadership, GB Bank secured its full banking licence, raised growth capital to support expansion, grown the lending book to approximately £800m, built an institutional funding line franchise supported by a diversified deposit platform, and increased the balance sheet 7x to over £2bn. The Bank has also reached profitability and is now operating on a self-sustaining footing. Mike will retain board roles within the Group providing continuing knowledge and guidance.
Eddie Trahearn joined GB Bank in 2021 as head of treasury & funding and has played a central role in shaping the Bank’s strategy, funding model and growth trajectory. He previously held senior treasury and balance sheet roles at Belmont Green, LendInvest and Charter Savings Bank.
Alongside the CEO transition, GB Bank is strengthening its executive team. Pankaj Thukral, chief lending officer, will broaden his role to become deputy CEO. Adam Royal, currently head of finance, will step into the role of chief financial officer, and Tom Graham, group treasurer, will become chief capital and treasury officer. Together, with Anne-Marie Lister (chief operating officer) and Rupert Carlton (chief risk officer) they form a talented, strong and experienced leadership team to guide GB Bank going forward.
The leadership transition marks the next phase for GB Bank as it continues to scale its position as a high quality UK challenger bank, focused on delivering practical financial solutions across retail savings, property-backed lending and specialist funding for the SME community. GB prides itself on delivering at pace and in finding innovative solutions for its customers rather than simply tick boxes.
Huw Morgan, GB Bank Chairman commented: “Mike has led GB Bank through a period of exceptional progress, taking the business from pre-authorisation through to profitability and establishing a strong platform for sustainable growth. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding leadership.
We are delighted to appoint Eddie as CEO. His deep understanding of the business and strong strategic and financial credentials makes him ideally placed to lead GB Bank through its next phase.”
Eddie Trahearn added: “I would like to thank Mike for his leadership and for the platform he has built. We have achieved a great deal in a short period of time and have significant opportunities ahead.
I am excited to take on the role of CEO, supported by a strong and experienced executive team.”
Mike Says commented: “I joined GB Bank with a clear objective: to build and scale a bank from pre-authorisation through to sustainable profitability. Having achieved what I set out to do, with the Bank now on a strong and self-sustaining footing, this is the right time for me to step down from the executive role and begin the next chapter of my career.
Eddie is the right person to lead GB Bank forward, and I am confident the Bank has a very bright future.”