Leeds Building Society: ‘Delight’ as mutual appoints first female CEO in 151-year history
Leeds Building Society has announced the permanent appointment of Annette Barnes as its chief executive officer.
Currently Interim CEO, Ms Barnes becomes the Society’s first permanent female chief executive officer in its 151-year history.
She previously served as an independent non‑executive board director at the Society from 2019 onwards.
Speaking on the appointment, Ms Barnes said: “I am honoured to have been permanently appointed as the CEO of Leeds Building Society.
“Whilst becoming a permanent CEO was not the plan last year, having worked directly with the board and our wonderful colleagues for the last nine months, I couldn’t have been more pleased to be asked to put myself forward alongside other candidates.”
Ms Barnes has over 35 years’ experience in financial services, holding senior leadership roles at Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of America and mbna, including as CEO of Lloyds Bank Private Banking Ltd.
She is also currently a non-executive director at Stratos Markets Limited.
Brendan McCafferty, chair of Leeds Building Society, said: “I am delighted that Annette has become the permanent CEO of Leeds Building Society.
“Following a thorough assessment of both internal and external candidates, the board is clear that Annette is the outstanding candidate to continue to lead the Society through this important phase of transformation.
“Annette has provided strong leadership since being appointed as Interim CEO and her commitment to growing the organisation and evolving our services to meet member needs is clear.
“The board is confident that the Society remains extremely well-placed to continue to deliver its purpose and its strategy.”
It comes after the Society announced earlier this year that it had reached the milestone of securing one million members.
The society delivered a profit before tax of £198.6m in 2025, a jump from £187.5m recorded in 2024.
Ms Barnes added: “As set out in our recent annual results, our Society is financially strong and moving confidently into the future.
“I look forward to working with colleagues to continue to support our members and deliver our purpose of putting home ownership within reach of more people, generation after generation.
“I am delighted to have been selected by the board at the conclusion of the recruitment process and proud to lead the Society through the next phase of its journey."