World Council President and CEO Brian Branch Announces Retirement

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Three-decade career with global credit union organisation will end in summer 2021.  

Dr. Branch has enjoyed a career that has spanned 31 years with World Council. Branch was promoted to his current position in 2011, and will retire as one of the longest serving Presidents and CEOs in World Council history.    

Commenting on the announcement, ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly said: “On behalf of us all at the Association, we would like to wish Brian Branch a long and happy retirement. WOCCU has been a tremendous partner to ABCUL and our members over many years with Brian being central to that – his contributions over so many years have been immense.  Last March, we were delighted to welcome Brian to our annual conference who brought his tremendous insight and experience to the delivery of an inspiring keynote address to members.  He will be missed within the worldwide credit union sector”  
During his career with World Council, Branch travelled to and worked in 104 countries, developing programs to start credit unions, conduct management training, expand outreach, build networks, improve regulatory environments and introduce technological innovations.  

He established the Global Women’s Leadership Network as a peer-based professional network for women in the global credit union network and, most recently, established Challenge 2025—a World Council initiative with a goal to digitize the global credit union system by 2025.  

“There is no question we will miss Brian’s expertise and leadership going forward, but he has put us in a position to successfully move World Council forward into the future,” said World Council Board President Rafal Matusiak.  

World Council’s Board of Directors has begun the search for a new president and CEO, who is expected to be onboarded prior to Branch’s departure.