After nine years at the helm, Rachel Court’s term of office as Chair of Leek Building Society will come to an end in April 2025. Rachel has overseen a highly successful period of substantial growth and investment at the Leek, together with a significant uplift in local community and charitable involvement. We’re immensely grateful for her leadership and guidance throughout this significant period in the Society’s history.
We’re delighted to announce that we have offered the position of Chair Designate to one of our existing Non-Executive Board Directors, John Gibson. John joined the Society’s Board in January 2024, following a successful Executive career at Skipton Building Society. John brings substantial experience in risk management and governance, as well as a clear commitment to the mutual values of the building society sector. John will take up the Chair position at the Society’s AGM at the end of April 2025, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.
Speaking of her forthcoming departure, Rachel said:
“It’s been a real pleasure and a privilege to Chair the Board of Leek Building Society throughout the last decade or so. During an eventful period on the world stage, I’m delighted to say that the Society has gone from strength to strength and has emerged as a more modern and nimbler organisation, whilst always remaining true to the strong values of mutuality. I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all our staff for their incredible and ongoing commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in serving our customers in such a warm and caring way. I’m also grateful to our many loyal and supportive members for whose benefit we exist. I wish John every success as he takes over the leadership of our Board next year and look forward to seeing the Society continue raising the bar under his stewardship.”
Looking ahead to his new role, John said:
“I feel both delighted and privileged to succeed Rachel as Chair of the Board following her very distinguished leadership. I do so at a time when it has never been more important for building societies to support members in meeting their aspirations of home ownership and financial wellbeing. I have every confidence that the Board and management at Leek will continue its tireless support of these objectives and the communities we serve.”
