ST. PAUL, Minn. – Jonathan Burns has been named new vice president of digital services, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union announced today.
In his new role, Burns will lead one of three key member-experience channels that includes the credit union’s mobile apps and online banking. His hiring also completes Affinity Plus’ strategy to recruit and hire leaders for its vital digital, phone and branch services.
‘SIMPLIFY THE LIVES OF MEMBERS’
Burns comes to Minnesota from the United Kingdom and previous roles at Barclays Bank in London. He said financial services worldwide are changing at incredible speed, but responsive financial institutions like credit unions are focusing on how such changes impact members at personal, daily levels.
“Our members now can hold their financial lives and businesses in the palms of their hands,” Burns said, noting that mobile banking at Affinity Plus grew nearly 23 percent in 2016 from the previous year, with nearly 54,000 regular mobile users.
“Because of that, Affinity Plus has an amazing opportunity and obligation to our members to simplify their lives with our mobile app and online banking,” he said.
Burns described familiar scenarios of busy members who, because of work and other obligations, are unable to get to or contact their community branch during regular business hours.
“With our mobile app and online banking, they can accomplish many of their tasks, wherever they are,” he said. “At the same time, we understand they still may need or want to visit a community or campus branch to conduct transactions, speak to our member advisors or others. We’re working hard to make sure it’s all integrated.”
THREE CHANNELS, THREE LEADERS
“We hired Jonathan because of those exceptional perspectives,” said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus president/CEO. “He understands what we need to do to lead the credit union industry in Minnesota and beyond in digital services. At the same time, he shares our commitment to every single one of our 184,000 members.”
Burns joins other leaders overseeing the phone services and branch services channels. In June 2016, Jenny Neubeck was named director of phone services. In November 2016, Taylor Murray joined Affinity Plus as vice president of branch services.
In his most recent role, Burns was vice president, head of digital products at Barclays Bank. He is an accomplished digital product leader with deep knowledge and insight of digital trends and developments through direct FinTech experience. Burns has a keen understanding of the challenges financial institutions face in developing and improving their digital products and services.
During his tenure at Barclays, the user base for its award-winning mobile-banking app grew from 2.5 million to 5 million users, and mobile-app features grew from 30 to more than 100 across both iOS and Android platforms. As custodian of the end-to-end customer journey, Burns is adept at leading cross-functional teams, identifying and researching product opportunities, and executing on a digital banking strategy to address customer needs.
Burns earned a Master’s Degree in Information Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Queens University Belfast. He is an Accredited Scrum Master in Agile project management. Burns also volunteers as a “Digiteer” with the Rêve Academy, teaching and mentoring high-school students for careers in digital services.