The next chapter for mutual’s diversity champion

Kim Rebecchi, who is a main board member of Leeds Building Society, plans to pursue a non-executive career and spend more time helping good causes in West Yorkshire.

She will step down from the board of Leeds Building Society at the end of June.

Ms Rebecchi, who has worked at the society for 27 years, said: “I have loved working here. It’s been a hard decision, and I will be sad on the day I leave, but I need to start the next chapter in my career.

“I’ve been in the fast lane for 20 years and I want to have a bit more ‘me’ time.”

Ms Rebecchi, who lives in Baildon, near Bradford, joined the society in 1988.

She became a general manager in 1997, and was promoted to the role of director of sales in 2007.

In December 2009, she joined the main board as sales and marketing director.

She said yesterday: “The biggest changes I’ve witnessed have been in technology and the pace of business life. Customers’ expectations have increased all the time.”

Apart from seeking non-executive roles, Ms Rebecchi also plans to spend more time working with community charities.

As a member of the executive committee, Ms Rebecchi has led the society’s distribution, product development and marketing teams.

Outside work, she is an active Rotarian and also enjoys walking and sailing.

Last year, Ms Rebecchi warned that corporate Yorkshire must raise its game with regards to boardroom diversity.

Ms Rebecchi was responding to a report which found that women make up just 10 per cent of the boards at Yorkshire’s largest businesses.

She added that Leeds Building Society is “definitely leading the way from a diversity perspective”.