Independence Matters announces two new Board level appointments
Independence Matters would like to announce two new Board level appointments.
Managing Director
We welcomed Zaliha Williamson as our new managing director on 1 April 2025, taking over the role from our founder Sarah Stock, who will be retiring in June.
Zaliha joined Independence Matters as Chief Finance Officer in April 2024, so she is already a familiar face to many and has a good understanding of our business and the challenges we face. Although this is her first experience of social care, she has a strong background in financial and business management and over 30 years’ experience in other sectors including food manufacturing and charity.
Zaliha said: “I have very much enjoyed the last year getting to know the company, and it is an honour to take up the reins from Sarah Stock who has led the creation of a person-centred organisation that we can all be proud of. With my new hat on, I am looking forward to the next chapter ahead which will involve building on our strengths whilst ensuring we are a sustainable model for the future in what is a challenging sector. There has been a significant amount of contract and financial review over the last few months, so it will be a pleasure to get out and about to meet more of the services and customers.”
Company Chair
We are delighted to announce that Tom Thornley will be appointed Group Company Chair on 1 May 2025, having initially joined the Independence Matters Board as non-executive director in September 2022.
Tom takes over the role from Karen Hester who sadly passed away earlier this year. He has a mainly commercial, engineering and technology background and experience of working across a variety of sectors including tourism, software, construction and management consultancy. He is currently Managing Director of Pauls Cycles, a UK specialist in online and instore bicycle and ebike retail.
Tom said: "I am absolutely delighted to be starting the role of Group Company Chair and am looking forward to working with you all to ensure we continue to thrive and keep providing the outstanding levels of care I see in the business. I appreciate I have got some big shoes to fill following on from the fantastic work our lovely Karen undertook - but I am determined to make her proud and continue supporting the Board and ensuring the delivery of the Group strategy."
Zaliha Williamson, Managing Director and Tom Thornley, Company Chair