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.
Bridget Phillipson, 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.”