Funeral services boss steps down after over 20 years at listed firm

The chief executive of funeral firm Dignity is to step aside after over 20 years with the company.

Mike McCollum has left the firm with immediate effect and the search has begun to find his successor.

Clive Whiley, who was appointed as non-executive chairman on 26 September last year has agreed to temporarily step up to the role of executive chairman.

The move comes as Dignity announces it may have to close some branches with some staff unable to come into work because of Government guidelines. The company says this is “providing some operational challenges” and will leave to incremental operating costs for the group.

Whiley said: “First, I would like to thank Mike for his extensive efforts over many years, in particular in leading the Group as chief executive officer for the last eleven. He has been a notable force throughout a period of significant growth, across all divisions, since the LBO in 2002.

“Secondly, I would like to thank Jane both personally for her guidance since my appointment and on behalf of the Board, given the valuable contribution she has provided over the last eight years, and she leaves with our thanks.

“Finally, whilst we are indeed operating in extraordinary circumstances, the acceleration of the root and branch strategic review of the business initiated upon my appointment, which is due to be completed in June 2020, was designed to strategically position the business for all eventualities.”