After five years as the Society’s Chief Executive Officer, Colin Fyfe is stepping down. Barry Carter has been appointed as our new CEO, subject to regulatory approval, effective from 2 January 2024.
Announcing the news, Colin Franklin, Chair of the Board, said:
“Colin leaves us in fantastic shape and with a great team of people in place, and we are incredibly grateful for all the good things that he has achieved. In passing the reins to Barry, he is handing over to someone who has already proved to be an effective leader, and who is clearly passionate about our Society and its members.”
Speaking about his time at Hinckley & Rugby, Colin Fyfe said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my five years here, and I feel that’s about the ideal period for a CEO. My plan was to make a big difference, and then hand over the reins to someone who would take the Society to the next level, and Barry is the right person to do that. The Society has undergone great changes over the last five years, and has become a thoroughly modern, professional organisation. I’m proud of our progress towards being a digitised building society, and of the strong financial performance that has been achieved on my watch. And now being recognised as one of the best UK companies to work for is a success of which the whole team can feel very proud.”
“With these solid foundations in place, and with a fully aligned strategy, I feel certain that the Society will continue to thrive under Barry’s leadership.”
Speaking about the next phase of his life, Colin said:
“Moving to Unity Trust Bank was a carefully considered decision. I wanted an organisation that embraces similar values to Hinckley & Rugby, and shares the same commitment to have a positive impact on the community. But I will miss and fondly remember the people at Hinckley & Rugby because it is genuinely a fantastic team. I always felt a warm welcome here, from the moment I first walked through the door, and it never went away. Covid created huge challenges for us, as it did for everyone, but I feel that it brought us all closer together. I feel we came through it stronger, not just as a Society but as colleagues and as friends.”
Barry Carter succeeds to the position of CEO having held the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Society since July 2022. Speaking about his predecessor, Barry said:
“Working with Colin these last eighteen months has been both a pleasure and a privilege. We have shared a vision and a strategy for the Society’s future, and I am looking forward to building on the incredible legacy of Colin’s time as CEO.”
