The Building Societies Association (BSA) has appointed Simon Taylor as its new chair.

Taylor is chief executive of Melton Building Society and takes up his BSA role from today.

He was previously deputy chair of the BSA and succeeds Julie-Ann Haines, chief executive of Principality Building Society.

Taylor said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of BSA chair at such an exciting time for the sector, with the government’s commitment to doubling the size of the mutual and co-operative economy.

“As BSA chair, I’m looking forward to engaging with our stakeholders to ensure that building societies and credit unions are valued as a key part of a properly diverse UK financial services sector, delivering value, choice and social improvement for our members today, and tomorrow.”

In September the BSA appointed Sarah Harrison as chief executive, replacing Robin Fieth.

Taylor added: “I would like to thank Julie-Ann Haines for her leadership of the BSA this year, especially for all of her efforts in recruiting our new chief executive, Sarah Harrison.”