We are pleased to welcome Chris Wilson as our new CEO, formally taking over the position on 1 October. Also on 1 October, Claire Zuurbier formally assumes the role of Chair of the Golden Charter Board.
These senior leadership changes follow the planned departure of Mark Huggins, who has stepped down after a period of steering the business through a time of transition. Mark assumed the role of CEO following the sudden passing of Charlie Norman, having previously served as Chair of the Board.
Chris Wilson brings with him extensive leadership experience from across the financial services sector. A trained lawyer, Chris previously held senior roles at major corporations including The Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, where he served as Managing Director for Retail. He also worked as Commercial Director at Direct Line. Most recently, Chris was Managing Director of Think Business Loans, where he supported SMEs in securing funding to help them grow and thrive.
Claire Zuurbier, who has served on the board for three years, has been appointed as Chair of the Board. Claire has spent recent months shadowing outgoing Chair John Thornton, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared handover as she takes on the role.
Chris Wilson, CEO of Golden Charter, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Golden Charter. I’ve always sought to work for organisations that do something genuinely useful in the world, and Golden Charter certainly does that - helping families plan and prepare for one of life's most difficult moments with dignity and care. The culture and values of the business have been evident throughout the hiring process, which has been tremendously encouraging to experience.
I'm very much looking forward to working with the board, team, and our wider network of partners as we continue developing the way we serve and grow our customers.”
Claire Zuurbier, Chair at Golden Charter, said: “I’m both thrilled and honoured to be taking on the role of Chair at Golden Charter. After three and a half years serving as a non-executive, my passion for this business remains unbounded, and I look forward to working with the Board, the Executive team and our independent funeral director network in my new role.
As a widow myself, I experienced first hand the importance of the funeral in the grieving process. I will be using my platform as Chair to do all I can to preserve the pause for reflection and shared grief that loved ones need in that period after losing someone. I want us to help even more people plan and pay for their funerals to ensure that this key ritual happens in a way that can best help those that are left behind.”
We extend a warm welcome to both Chris and Claire in their new leadership roles and look forward to the continued delivery of our strategy and service to customers and independent funeral directors alike.
