After an extensive search process, Interior Savings’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brian Harris as the new CEO of Interior Savings Credit Union, effective June 20th.
With 15 years’ experience in top-level executive positions in the financial services industry, Mr. Harris has a long history of leading companies through significant growth while helping them adapt to an unprecedented pace of change.
Most recently, as Chief Product Officer at Nets, a leading payments provider based in the Nordics, Harris and his team helped revolutionize the consumer and small business digital experience for more than 150 European financial institutions. Taking a determined customer-centric approach, Harris was able to swiftly position the company as Europe’s largest PayTech Leader.
Prior to Nets, Mr. Harris held executive leadership roles at Currencies Direct and Western Union Business Solutions, two companies that are leading the evolution of international money transfer systems and business payment solutions in Europe and across the globe.
According to Rob Shirra, Interior Savings’ Board Chair, Harris’ experience and dynamic leadership style comes at a critical time when credit unions are needing to think about innovation like never before. With ever-increasing technology advancements and regulatory requirements, it is becoming more and more challenging to compete with the big banks and international titans, like Apple and PayPal, who are challenging the industry.
“Credit unions have an inherent advantage over the big banks,” adds Shirra. “Owned by members, with a people-before-profits philosophy, and a deep connection to the needs of our local community, we have the advantage of trust and personalized service. With Brian’s expertise and leadership, we will work to create experiences that will rival the big players; delighting members while complementing the trusted, personalized service Interior Savings is known for.”
After spending the past two-decades helping financial institutions in over 30 countries position themselves for the future, Harris says he’s most excited about the opportunity to work with the fantastic team at Interior Savings to harness the power of community and technology.
“The key for smaller credit unions like Interior Savings is to be curious about what is happening with digital leaders around the world,” said Harris. “Learn from the best, adapt what we do to the unique needs of our members and then, rather than trying to build it all on our own, find solid partners who can help make things easier and more enjoyable for members, one step, one product, one innovation at a time.”
