The Building Societies Association (BSA) has appointed Sarah Harrison (pictured) as its new CEO, with Harrison set to take up the role from 1st December.
Harrison has over 30 years’ experience in senior Government and regulatory positions, most recently as chief operating officer (COO) at the Cabinet Office.
She has also held positions as COO at the former business department (BEIS), CEO at the Gambling Commission, and senior roles at Ofgem.
Harrison will be the first female CEO at the BSA, replacing Robin Fieth, who is leaving after 12 years.
Harrison said: “As a strong advocate of the customer-ownership business model I feel really privileged to be asked to join the BSA, representing building societies and credit unions which provide vital financial services to consumers and communities across the UK.
“With the Government’s commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative economy, now is such an exciting time for the sector and a real opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of the UK economy.
“Financial services are critical to the Government’s growth ambitions and I’m looking forward to working with the sector and stakeholders to ensure building societies and credit unions interests are at the heart of this ambition.”
Julie-Ann Haines, chair of the BSA, said: “After an extensive recruitment process, we are delighted that Sarah has agreed to lead the BSA.
“She comes to us with significant leadership experience alongside energy and passion for the mutual model.
“I’m confident she will provide the strategic leadership to continue to develop the role of building societies and credit unions at the heart of a thriving UK financial services sector.”
Haines added: “I would like to thank Robin Fieth for the outstanding contribution he has made during his 12 year tenure.
“Having joined the BSA while the sector was still bruised from the de-mutualisations of the 1990s and the 2008 financial crisis he has led us back to the thriving heart of financial services with mutuals on the march. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
