Skipton Building Society appoints new chairman

Skipton Building Society has announced the appointment of Mike Ellis as its new chairman, replacing Alastair Findlay who has stepped down from the Board of the Society having served five years as a non-executive director.

Mike has extensive experience in financial services at Halifax Building Society which became Halifax plc and later HBOS, following its merger with Bank of Scotland. He was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his contribution to UK financial services. Mike is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of WH Smith PLC.

Commenting on his appointment, Skipton Group chief executive David Cutter said: "We're delighted to welcome Mike to Skipton Building Society, and are sure he will bring valuable experience and insight to our Board. We are also grateful to Alastair for his support and significant contribution to the business over the past five years, and wish him well for the future."

Mike added: "Skipton is a leading and progressive building society with a uniquely diversified Group model, and I'm looking forward to working with the Board and senior team as they prepare to grasp the opportunities for mutuals in the years ahead."