A Career Defined by Curiosity, Courage and Global Perspective

For Arlene Cairns, her leadership journey has been shaped by global experience, bold career moves, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. Now, transitioning into her new role as CFO of Leeds Building Society, Arlene reflects on a career that has taken her from Scotland to Ireland, Sydney, London, and back home again, each chapter further refining her leadership approach.

Upon graduating from university, Arlene joined Zurich Financial Services and quickly progressed through finance and strategy roles. A move to Dublin followed, where she became Commercial Finance Manager for Royal & Sun Alliance, supported by a leader who invested deeply in her development. She later entered the capital markets division at Allied Irish Bank, broadening her experience in strategy, planning, and performance. 

Arlene commented that her openness to opportunity and her willingness to relocate became a defining theme in her career path. After a period at EY back in the UK, another international chapter in Arlene’s career began: Sydney, where she worked with Westpac institution bank, supported by a senior female sponsor who became a pivotal role model for her. She credited this environment with shaping her confidence, demonstrating what strong leadership and genuine support for women in business can look like.

Returning to Scotland with two young daughters, Arlene joined Standard Life Investments, later becoming Finance Director of Alliance Trust Savings. It was at this time that she participated in the Executive Women in Leadership programme. 

Arlene describes EWIL as a turning point. The programme gave her time to pause, reflect, and understand the leadership she wanted to embody. Through its speakers, workshops, and peer support, she gained confidence, resilience, and renewed clarity. 

“I was a very young female in an FD role,” she recalls. “The programme gave me space to think, to learn, and to build confidence in my own capability. The support network was phenomenal.”

She remembers clearly the encouragement shared by guest speakers, including the well‑known advice from Ian Marchant: “Be patient. It will come.” For Arlene, this message shifted her mindset. Leadership, she realised, was not about speed. It was about depth.

She also shared with us that by participating in the programme, she realised that there is no need to fit a particular mould: “You can’t pretend at work. You can’t put on a different face every day. You must be yourself,” she explains. Vulnerability and authenticity became part of her leadership toolkit.

Broadening Horizons Beyond Finance

After the EWIL programme, Arlene’s career continued to evolve. She became Global Chief Finance Operations Officer at Aviva before taking a bold step into a completely different sector – timber manufacturing – by joining Donaldson Group. She explained that this move tested her adaptability, and it reinforced her transferable skills.

“You don’t realise how much you know until you apply it somewhere completely different,” she reflects. The experience broadened her strategic thinking and reinforced her belief that diverse sector experience creates stronger, more agile leaders.

She later returned to financial services with Phoenix Group, drawn by the opportunity to help shape a new future strategy. Her upcoming move to Leeds Building Society represents the next exciting chapter.

The Power of Networks and Women Supporting Women

Reflecting on the 10‑year anniversary of the programme, Arlene is clear about the value of an ongoing community: “Women don’t always give themselves enough time to support each other. But when we do, the power is phenomenal.”

She argues that networks like the EWIL alumni group are not a luxury; for progressive leaders, they are essential. Networks provide structured time for reflection, shared learning, and connection, and the EWIL community has helped women navigate their career journey while balancing family commitments and the realities of modern leadership.

We asked Arlene for her advice to the next generation. She answered: “Stay open-minded, stay curious, and be kind to yourself. Curiosity has driven me into every new challenge.”

This article is part of our Executive Women in Leadership Alumni Spotlight Series, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the EWLP programme in September 2026.

Our EWLP programme has evolved into our Executive Leadership Programme, which is open to all genders and is now running its fifth year. Jointly run by FWB and the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS), the Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) is designed to enable the next generation of leaders across multiple ownership classes and organisations across a broad range of private, public, and non-profit sectors.

If you are interested in joining our 2026 ELP cohort, please email us at elp@fwbltd.com.