Yorkshire Building Society announces Chair succession

Yorkshire Building Society is announcing that, after nine years at the mutual, John Heaps will be succeeded by Annemarie Durbin who will join the Board as Chair Designate by the end of the year.

Annemarie is currently Chair at Cater Allen Private Bank and a non-executive director and chair of remuneration committee on the boards of Santander UK, Persimmon and Petershill Partners.

With over 30 years’ experience in retail, commercial, corporate and institutional banking, she is a qualified lawyer with expertise across general management, operations, HR, legal and compliance, as well as being an executive coach and mentor.

Annemarie is relinquishing her roles at Santander and Cater Allen to take up her role as Chair Designate at the Society during her handover period with John Heaps. Her appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Susan Allen, chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Annemarie to lead our Board.  Her expertise in the financial services sector and beyond will be invaluable to ensuring we continue to build on our strong heritage with the future in mind. I, and the rest of the Board are very much looking forward to working with her.”

Commenting on her appointment, Annemarie said: “It’s a privilege to join the Board of such an established and purposeful organisation. As the organisation continues to grow, the mutual values Yorkshire Building Society holds so dear will remain central as we evolve in the best interests of our members.”

John Heaps said: “I am delighted that Annemarie has agreed to join the Society and I look forward to welcoming her to the Board. Annemarie joins a resilient organisation with a strong sense of purpose that has been a privilege to serve.”