The chief executive of Bristol-based Triodos Bank º£½ÇÊÓƵ is stepping down next year after 10 years at the helm. Bevis Watts will lead the Bristol-based ethical lender until June.
He said it was "the right time" to move and the decision was part of board succession planning. The recruitment process for his successor is already under way.
Mr Watts' departure will coincide with the Netherlands-headquartered bank's 30th anniversary in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
"I'm immensely grateful for the support of our customers and co-workers," he said. "We have achieved a huge amount together in building and growing the bank but more importantly we have pioneered the financing of several national 'firsts' in social and environmental projects and we have delivered a huge body of work that has been at the forefront of advocating for change in the financial system.
"I know that Triodos will continue to be a reference point and source of inspiration on how banking must change to be a force for good."
Mr Watts has worked for Triodos twice during his career during which time the lender has moved from a telephone and internet savings bank to a current account and mobile banking provider. It was also the first º£½ÇÊÓƵ bank to launch an investment crowdfunding platform.
Gary Page, chair of Triodos Bank º£½ÇÊÓƵ, added: "The bank is a much larger and more impactful organisation thanks to Bevis's transformational leadership and with a strong team to take the bank forward to fulfil our ambitions to finance change and change finance.
"He has always been a great champion for what we stand for and everything we do. We are immensely grateful for his contribution over many years and all he has done for Triodos. I am delighted that Bevis will be remaining with the bank to support the handover process with his successor."
