Mark has a long and distinguished career, is a senior figure in the financial and professional services sector and holds a number of public sector, commercial and voluntary positions. Mark has been an elected member of the City of London Corporation since 2002 and is currently Chairman of the City’s Policy and Resources Committee. He will end his five-year term in this position in May. In addition, Mark is Deputy Chairman of TheCityUK and the International Regulatory Strategy Group. He is also Chairman of the Housing and Finance Institute and a Member of the Strategy and Development Board at the Cass Business School.
Regarding his appointment, Mark Boleat said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Link Scheme Ltd’s Chairman at this interesting and challenging time. By connecting all of the UK’s 70,000 ATMs into a single network, LINK enables consumers to enjoy safe, convenient access to their cash no matter where they live or work. My goal is to help develop cash access for UK consumers by safeguarding the future of LINK. I look forward to leading the Board and adding value to the organisation and its stakeholders.”
John Howells, LINK’s CEO added:
“LINK touches the lives of millions of consumers every day with cash a vital part peoples’ lives. Mark brings a wealth of experience and skills to our Board and we look forward to working together with him at an important time of development for the nation’s ATM network.”
Mark is taking over the role from Dr Kenneth Andrew who, as well as being Link Scheme Ltd’s Chairman, has also been Chairman of the LINK Network Members Council since 2004. Ken has over the years presided over many successes, including the development and introduction of the Scheme’s Financial Inclusion Programme, giving free access to cash to many poorer and rural areas of the country, setting up and chairing the Scheme’s Consumer Council, and the introduction of the dispensing of £5 notes. More recently he has overseen the successful separation of the Scheme from VocaLink and establishment of a company to run the Scheme from now on.
Commenting on Dr Andrew, John Howells, LINK’s CEO said:
“I have worked with Ken for many years and the energy, skill and commitment that he has brought to LINK has been exceptional. Supporting LINK for so many years, Ken has guided the organisation through many challenges and changes, and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Lord Hunt of Wirral, who is the Senior Non-Executive Director of LINK, added:
“I would like to thank Ken for all of the great skill and leadership that he has shown throughout his time at LINK. He has been central to LINK’s success. I now look forward to working with Mark Boleat and the Board in the next important stage of development for LINK.”
