Chairman Ed to step down after steering Yorkshire mutual through global crisis

THE CHAIRMAN who steered Yorkshire Building Society through the global economic crisis is to stand down after eight years in the post.
Ed AndersonEd Anderson
Ed Anderson

Ed Anderson will be replaced by John Heaps, a high-flying corporate lawyer, in April 2015.

The former Leeds Bradford Airport chief oversaw successful mergers with smaller societies in the aftermath of the credit crunch.

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Lynne Charlesworth, vice chairman of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Under Ed’s leadership the society has completed a number of mergers and acquisitions, with its assets growing from £20bn to in excess of £35bn.

“Throughout this time Ed has provided outstanding leadership and helped to successfully steer the organisation through the recession and global economic crisis.”

Mr Heaps, a Yorkshireman, was formerly chairman of Eversheds and was responsible for the law firm’s compliance with the legal sector’s regulatory regime.

He helped transform the firm from a group of affiliated UK offices into an international player. Ms Charlesworth said: “I am delighted that John has accepted the role of chairman. He has the experience and skills required to chair the board of a large organisation operating in a highly regulated industry.

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“This combined with his proven track record for innovation and successful strategic leadership, makes him the ideal candidate to take the society forward.”

Mr Heaps hails from the family behind the Heaps Tours travel firm.