Mansfield Building Society appoints Alison Chmiel as Board Chair

29 June 2021

Mansfield Building Society has appointed Alison Chmiel as its first female Board Chair. Alison takes the reins of the Society’s Board from Jeremy Cross, who stands down following 6 successful years in the role.

Alison, a long-standing Director at the Society, was first appointed to the Board in February 2013. An experienced business leader, Alison started her career at IBM before later moving on to Ikano Bank UK where she was Finance Director & Deputy Managing Director. Alison’s talents were also recognised by The Woodland Trust where she spent many years as a Director/Trustee.

Currently, alongside her Board responsibilities at the Society, Alison is a committed Trustee of the Two Counties Trust – an academy trust with schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The official transition of duties took place on 24 June, although Jeremy remains on the Society’s Board as a Non-Executive Director and Risk Committee Chair.

Mansfield Building Society Chief Executive, Paul Wheeler, said that Alison’s knowledge, experience and leadership style are exactly the right blend of skills necessary to lead the Board:

“As well as her impressive CV and hands-on experience, I’ve seen Alison’s natural ability to engage with colleagues on the Board and across the Society. Alison’s blend of technical knowledge and softer people skills will ensure that the Society continues to flourish in the future, building on the success achieved by Jeremy in his tenure as Board Chair.”

New Mansfield Building Society Board Chair, Alison Chmiel, said:

“I’m delighted to be taking up the role of Board Chair at Mansfield Building Society and wish to thank Jeremy for his excellent stewardship over the last 6 years, during which time the Society enjoyed unparalleled change, investment and growth. I want to play my part in ensuring that the Society continues to thrive and prosper, whilst remaining true to its mutual heritage by looking after its members and the community which we are proud to serve.”