The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that Gary Page
has been appointed Chair of the Student Loans Company (SLC).
Gary will succeed Sir Peter Lauener, who has led the organisation
since April 2020 and has completed the maximum of two terms.
Peter will step down on 31 March 2026 with Gary assuming the role
on 1 April 2026.
Gary has been a member of SLC's Board since October 2020 and
Chair of SLC's Remuneration Committee since December 2023. He has
worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years,
predominantly with ABN AMRO, where he held a number of senior
positions.
Recently, Gary has focused on his non-executive roles in the
public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular
interest on positions which facilitate greater social inclusion.
As well as being a member of the SLC Board, Gary is a
Non-Executive Director with the Scottish National Investment
Bank, Chair of Triodos Bank UK Limited, the UK subsidiary of
Triodos Bank N.V. and a Lay Member of the South East Employment
Tribunal.
Gary will become Chair at a time of significant change for the
organisation. Through its new transformation programme, SLC will
become a simpler, more modern, digital organisation that delivers
efficiently and effectively for customers, government
shareholders and colleagues.
, Education Secretary,
said: “I would like to thank Sir Peter Lauener for his dedicated
service over the past six years, and I am delighted to welcome
Gary Page to this new role. Gary's extensive leadership
experience and knowledge from throughout his career in the public
and private sectors will be invaluable.
“I am confident he will provide the strong leadership needed to
deliver a modern, efficient service for students across the UK,
as the organisation undertakes an important transformation
project.”
Gary Page, incoming Chair of SLC, said: “I have enjoyed being a
Board member of SLC over the last five years and it's such a
pivotal moment to be stepping into the role of Chair. The
organisation is a vital source of financial support in helping
customers across the UK pursue their further and higher education
ambitions, and I look forward to contributing to its continued
success.”
Chris Larmer, CEO of SLC, said: “Gary's long-standing
contribution as a member of SLC's Board means he brings extensive
experience, knowledge and continuity as our Chair. His
understanding of our organisation and its purpose is well
established, and I look forward to continuing our work together
as we strengthen and modernise our organisation, improving the
digital service and overall experience we provide to our 9.6m
customers.”
