Julie-Ann Haines (pictured), CEO of Principality Building Society, has been elected as the new chair of the Building Societies Association (BSA), effective immediately.
Haines has been the deputy chair of the BSA since May 2023 and now takes over from Rob Pheasey, CEO of Marsden Building Society.
Haines said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of BSA Chair, and I am very much looking forward to continuing the great work carried out by Rob Pheasey over the past two years.
“This is such a special time to be in this role, as our sector celebrates its 250th anniversary and the wonderful heritage on which our member organisations were founded.
“Today our purpose and vision continue to be the same as it was in 1775 – customer-owned organisations, set up by communities, to support the people in those communities.”
Haines added: “It’s also an exciting time as we have a new UK Government commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sector.
“This recognition that our business model is different and delivers real, tangible benefits to consumers and members presents a unique opportunity for the BSA to be at the heart of a growing and thriving economy right across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
“We are already punching well above our weight, as the 9,500+ UK mutual and co-operative businesses currently generate £35 billion in direct Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy – equivalent to 1.5% of total GVA, despite the sector accounting for only 0.2% of all businesses.
“But we are not complacent, and want to be an increasingly important part of a properly diverse financial services sector.”
She said: “As BSA Chair, I’m looking forward to playing my part in ensuring our voices and messages are heard, by engaging with MPs, MSPs, MSs and MLAs.
“Ensuring building societies and credit unions are a key part of a properly diverse UK financial services sector, delivering value, choice and social improvement for our members today, and tomorrow.”
