The Building Societies Association has elected Julie-Ann Haines as its new chair.  

Haines, who is the chief executive of Principality Building Society, succeeds Rob Pheasey, the chief executive of the Marsden Building Society. 

She has been the deputy chair of the association since May 2023 and takes up her new role with immediate effect. 

The move came at the Building Societies Annual Conference in Birmingham, the city where the first building society was founded 250 years ago in 1775. 

The association’s members provide mortgages for 3.5 million customers and holds the savings of 23 million people. 

Haines says: “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. 

“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.” 

She adds: “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.”