Jim Galbraith

The Glasgow-based financial mutual issued a statement on its website yesterday which said: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the passing of Scottish Friendly’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Galbraith.”

“Jim had devoted the best part of his career to strengthening, guiding and driving forward Scottish Friendly. On winning IoD Scotland Director of the Year, Jim said that he ‘looked forward to stewarding Scottish Friendly to the next generational change’.

“Being a leader naturally endowed with wisdom, focus, purpose and ambition, Jim laid those foundations by building an experienced leadership team; dedicated to maintaining his historic vision for the mutual. Jim’s presence, dry humour and friendship will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Neil Lovatt, commercial director of Scottish Friendly, commented: “Jim was my friend, and a great friend to so many in Scottish Friendly. We were lucky to have him in our life office. He believed fundamentally in the mutual ethos of Scottish Friendly and had a keen sense of its heritage and historic mission.

“To that end he built an incredibly deep and strong team committed to our vision and dedicated to continuing Scottish Friendly’s successful strategy. It is for us, the employees of Scottish Friendly, to honour his faith in us and continue to deliver for our current and future members.

Martin Pringle, acting CEO of Scottish Friendly, added: “This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone in Scottish Friendly. Jim led this historic organisation with passion and vision, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. No one wants to take on an organisation in such circumstances but, having worked closely with Jim over the years, together with everyone in Scottish Friendly I will continue to take the society forward and ensure that Jim Galbraith would be proud of us all.”

David Huntley, chair of Scottish Friendly, said: “This is, understandably, a terrible shock for all of us at Scottish Friendly and our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family at this difficult time. We are also providing support to our staff, many of whom have known Jim for a significant amount of time. The Board has appointed Martin Pringle into the role of acting CEO.”