The challenge
The long-serving chair was retiring at the same time as the chief executive planned to step down. The board wanted a chair with banking experience and the standing to lead a chief executive succession, chosen in a way that kept the community's confidence.
Our approach
We interviewed every director to agree what the board needed, then approached former bank leaders and experienced non-executives in the region. Five candidates met the full board, and two strong runners-up later joined as directors.
The outcome
The new chair was appointed after sixteen weeks and led the chief executive search the following year. The board is now younger, broader in experience and better prepared for the bank's next chapter.
They listened to every director before they spoke to a single candidate. It showed in the result.
Retiring Chair, community bank
