Skipton Bldg.Soc. - Directorate change

J Sainsbury

23/01/2026 14:05

RNS Number : 2125Q

Skipton Building Society

23 January 2026

 

23 January 2026                                                                                                          

 

 

Connells Group, part of the Skipton Group announces the appointment of

 Peter Griffiths OBE as its new Chair

 

Today, 23 January 2026, Connells Group, part of the Skipton Group, announces the appointment of Peter Griffiths OBE as its new chair with effect from 13 February 2026.

 

Mark Lund, the current Connells Group chair, will be stepping down from his role. Mark first joined the Connells Group board in March 2021 as a non‑executive director, before being appointed chair from January to September 2023, and thereafter in March 2024. Connells Group extends its sincere thanks to Mark for his leadership, guidance and significant contribution during his tenure. His oversight and experience have played an important role in strengthening the Group and positioning it for continued success

 

Peter joins the Connells Group with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in financial services and leadership roles. He served as CEO of Sainsbury's Bank (2012-2019) and Principality Building Society (2002-2012), where he delivered major transformation programmes and strategic growth.

 

Peter has extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, and was awarded an OBE in 2010 for services to the UK Financial Services industry. He was also chairman of UK Building Societies Association and CBI Wales.

 

Commenting his appointment, Peter Griffith said:

 

"I'm pleased to join Connells Group. With trusted brands, national reach and a deep connection to customers, Connells plays a vital role in the UK housing market. Having led organisations through substantial change, I look forward to working with Helen and colleagues across Connells and the wider Skipton Group to build on strong foundations and support sustainable progress for customers and communities."

 

Gwyn Burr, Chair of the Skipton Group, said:

 

"I am delighted to welcome Peter Griffiths as chair of Connells Group. Peter's exceptional leadership experience and deep understanding of financial services will be invaluable as Connells continues to strengthen its position as the UK's leading estate agency and property services provider."

 

Helen Charlesworth, CEO of Connells Group, added:

 

"Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership to Connells Group. His strategic vision and governance expertise will help us drive forward our ambitions and deliver outstanding service to our customers. I look forward to working closely with Peter as we enter this next exciting chapter for Connells Group."

 

Peter Griffiths' appointment as Chair is subject to regulatory approval.

 

Peter Griffiths' photo below:

About Connells Group:

 

Connells Group is the UK's largest estate agency and property services provider, operating over 1,200 branches nationwide. The Group offers a comprehensive range of services including residential sales and lettings, mortgage services, conveyancing, surveying, and asset management. As part of the Skipton Group, Connells shares a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and supporting communities across the UK.

 

ENDS

 

For more information, interview requests, insight, data or commentary please contact:

Rebecca Willey

 Senior Public Relations Manager

Skipton Group

Rebecca.Willey@skipton.co.uk

 

To contact the Press Office please call 0345 601 7247

Follow us on LinkedIn: Skipton Group

 

About Skipton Group

 

Skipton Group is built on two core foundations: Homes and Money. With over a million members and 1,300 branches, we offer accessible financial advice, mortgages and savings. We are home to the UK's largest estate agency and property group, Connells, which with over 80 estate agency brands, helps over one in ten individuals buy and sell their homes. This gives us unique real time insight into the UK residential mortgage market which we use to help people into homes, help policymakers make better decisions, and help society address the needs of the hardest hit. Skipton Group also includes Skipton Building Society, offshore finance capability via Skipton International, Skipton Business Finance and Jade Software Corporation.

 

Skipton Group is led by Skipton Building Society, Principal Office: The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1DN

 

Skipton Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, under registration number 153706, for accepting deposits, advising on and arranging mortgages and providing restricted financial advice.

 

 

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