Yorkshire Building Society’s chief executive Chris Pilling has given notice of his intention to step down at the end of the year.
After nearly five years at the top of the business, he signalled his intention of pursuing new and different opportunities that will give more balance with family life.
“From a personal perspective, I believe now is the right time for me to do this and for the board to appoint a new chief executive to continue to take the society forward,” Mr Pilling stated.
“The society is in a strong position despite the challenging markets and it has been a privilege to have been part of its recent history and success. In the meantime, it is business as usual.”
Chairman John Heaps explained it was entirely a personal decision on Mr Pilling’s part.
Mr Heaps said: “Chris has provided outstanding and strong leadership and demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that our members’ interests are at the centre of everything that we do.
“The process of finding a suitable successor to build on Chris’ achievements has already commenced. In the meantime, Chris will remain chief executive and continue to work with the rest of the board and senior management.”
Mr Pilling was appointed at the end of 2011, taking over from Iain Cornish and moving from a previous role as head of the branch network at HSBC Bank.
At the end of last year, Mr Pilling was elected as deputy chairman of the Building Societies Association.
peter.walker@ft.com
