Danske Bank has appointed Julie-Ann Haines as chief executive, effective 1 July.

Haines previously served as chief executive of Principality Building Society.

She spent 18-years at the society where she held various management positions, including head of strategy, director of IT and chief customer officer, before taking on the role of CEO in 2020.

In addition, she has held several non-executive appointments. These include serving on the former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s business council, former chair of the UK Building Societies Association and is a member of Business in the Community’s UK leadership council.

Haines stepped down from that role in November last year, in preparation for taking up the position at Danske Bank.

She takes on the role from Vicky Davies, who has been chief executive of Danske Bank since 2021. Davies joined Danske Bank in 2012 and has been a board member for 10 years.

Commenting on her new role, Haines says: “I am honoured to be joining Danske Bank in Northern Ireland. With roots dating back over 200 years, the Bank is deeply embedded in local society and plays a vital role in the economy.”

“I am looking forward to engaging with colleagues and customers in the weeks ahead, and to continuing the growth of Danske Bank in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK.”

Davies adds: “It has been a huge privilege to lead Danske Bank and to work with so many fantastic colleagues. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, supporting customers in both Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK.”

“I look forward to working closely with Julie-Ann during the transition and I know the Bank will benefit from her experience, leadership and values.”