Skipton Group announced that Sarah Whitney is to step down from her role as a non-executive director of Skipton Building Society and as chair of the society’s subsidiary Connells – the UK’s largest estate agency and property services provider.

Whitney will step down with effect from the end of February, 2024.

“The recruitment process for an independent chair at Connells is underway,” said Skipton.

“During the transition period, Mark Lund, deputy chair of Skipton Group and the Society’s senior independent director, will resume his role as interim chair of Connells until the appointment is made.

“Skipton’s board would like to thank Sarah for her contributions and wish her every success in the future.”

In August 2023, Skipton Building Society said its savings balances grew 5.2% to £23.6 billion, group mortgage balances rose 6.8% to £27.2 billion and society membership grew 3.1% to over 1.17 million in the first half of 2023.