Announcement – CEO Resignation
Message to Members and Stakeholders
From Nicole Cox, Board Chair
Bendigo United Friendly Society Chair Nicole Cox said that Chief Executive Michael Fleming has announced his resignation.
Nicole said that “After 17 very productive and dedicated years Michael made the decision to resign and to pursue new opportunities and the board wants to acknowledge his achievements with BUFS and wish him every success in the future.”
Michael added that “I feel it is the right time for me personally and my move will provide the organisation with an opportunity to introduce new leadership and a fresh set of eyes.”
As CEO since April 2005, Michael has overseen the organisation triple in size, expand its geographic footprint and service range while still maintaining an ethos of serving the community and looking after its people.
Nicole paid tribute to Michael saying it is with a degree of sadness we accept Michael’s resignation, yet also a degree of excitement for Michael as he sets out on the next steps for his career. “Our organisation is recognised throughout our community as a market leader and innovative organisation. Michael’s role in leading the business has been a key part of our success and growth.”
Michael and Nicole both point to a new management and leadership structure in place as an ideal time for Michael to move on as the new team members apply their capabilities and take the organisation forward.
BUFS is a community and membership owned organisation that will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of serving the community in November this year. BUFS is an important part of Bendigo and valued by its member base and the broader community.
Michael expressed his thanks to the board, the leadership and administration team and every member of the organisation who has contributed to the success of BUFS.
Michael concluded by saying “I am incredibly proud of our teams and the things we have achieved over the past 17 years and particularly the last 2 years during the pandemic. I have truly valued my time at UFS and look forward to seeing what the future holds for the organisation from a distance.”
Michael will finish in November and is staying on to assist in the transition to support the staff and the board.
Chair Nicole Cox said “The board has full respect for Michael and what he has contributed and realise finding his successor will be no easy task yet will commence a wide recruitment search over the coming months.”
