Sarah Whitney has joined Connells Group and subject to regulatory approval will become the new Non-Executive Chair in September, replacing Mark Lund.

With immediate effect Whitney has joined the Connells Group Board and the Skipton Building Society Board.

EXTENSIVE

Whitney (main picture) has an extensive background in property and finance gained through a range of senior roles across a number of sectors.

A former PwC partner, she also held senior leadership roles at DTZ and CBRE and is an experienced non-executive director, and serves on the boards of BBGI Global Infrastructure SA, Bellway plc, Tritax EuroBox plc, and JP Morgan Global Growth & Income plc.

She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

In joining the Skipton Board, she will have oversight of a collection of businesses, including Connells, the UK’s largest property services provider, employing around 18,000 people and spanning the housing, financial services and IT industries.

DELIGHTED

Whitney says: “I am delighted to be joining Connells Group and have already been impressed by the breadth of their operations that touch every part of the UK’s housing market.

“It is a business that prides itself on its people and I look forward to supporting the continued success of the business.”.

David Livesey, Connells Group Chief Executive, adds: “This is an important appointment which strengthens our Board.

“Sarah has great experience in driven, fast moving and innovative property businesses. She also brings strong social purpose and will help shape how we continue to deliver on our corporate responsibilities.”

In March Skipton Group reported profit before tax increased by 9.9% to £298.8m, with its mortgage portfolio growing by 9.6% to over £25.5bn.