Jeffrey Michael Blackburn (1941–2023) was a British banker who served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Leeds Permanent Building Society from 1987 to 1993 and of Halifax Building Society from 1993 to 1999.[1] [2]
Born in Manchester, Blackburn was the eldest child of Renée and Jeffrey Blackburn, a local government official.[3] [4] His early years coincided with World War II, during which his family resided near Preston, Lancashire.[3] His father served in the Royal Navy, contributing to convoy escorts to Halifax, Nova Scotia.[3] The family eventually settled in Ipswich, where Blackburn attended Northgate Grammar School.[3] His academic performance was hindered by poor A-level grades, leading him to work in various roles, including as a hospital porter and bus conductor.[3] [4]
Later in his career, Blackburn attended Henley Management College and completed an executive education course.[5]
Blackburn began his professional career as a banker at Lloyds Bank.[3] [4] He rose through the ranks, becoming a branch manager in St Albans by age 30 and later a divisional manager.[3] [4]
In 1987, Blackburn became the chief executive officer (CEO) of Leeds Permanent Building Society.[3] [4] His time there was characterised by significant changes, including the closure of several branches and overseeing charitable initiatives.[3]
In 1993, Blackburn was named as the CEO of the Halifax Building Society.[6] [7] His tenure at Halifax was marked by involvement in legal disputes, including a notable case against the UK government and the European Court of Justice concerning financial issues.[3]
In 1999, Blackburn left Halifax and was succeeded by James Crosby.[3] [8] Following his departure from Halifax, Blackburn held several directorships at companies such as DFS Furniture.[9] [10] In 2000, he was named as the non-executive chairman of Watson Wyatt Systems and later joined ID Data.[11] [12] [13] Five years later, in 2005, he joined DEBT Free Direct as a non-executive chairman as well.[14]
Blackburn was also active as a philanthropist, notably with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, for which he was awarded a CVO in 2009.[3]
Blackburn was married twice. His first marriage was to Jill Firth in 1963, with whom he had two children. He married Louise Jouny in 1987, and they had two sons.[3] [4]