Mansfield Building Society has appointed Alison Chmiel as its first female Board chair.

She is taking over from Jeremy Cross, who has stood down after six successful years in the role but remains on the Board as a non-executive director and Risk Committee chair.

“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 six years, during which time the society enjoyed unparalleled change, investment and growth,” said Alison.  

“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 that we are proud to serve.”

Alison, a long-standing director at the society, was first appointed to the Board in February 2013. She started her career at IBM before later moving to Ikano Bank UK, where she was finance director and deputy managing director.  Alison also spent many years at the Woodland Trust as a director/trustee.

Currently, alongside her Board responsibilities at the society, Alison is a trustee of the Two Counties Trust — an academy trust with schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Society chief executive Paul Wheeler said: “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.”