Harrison will join from the UK Government Cabinet Office where she is currently chief operating officer. She has over 30 years in strategic leadership roles as a public servant, working for both regulators and government. In a statement, the BSA says Harrison’s extensive senior experience of government and regulation, her expertise in communications and corporate affairs and her leadership roles in relation to both consumer engagement and digital transformation ideally equip her to take on the leadership of the BSA at such a pivotal moment. She will be the BSA’s first female CEO and will assume the role as of 1 December as Robin Fieth, who held the role of chief executive of the Association for 12 years, departs. Harrison says: “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.” BSA chair Julie-Ann Haines says: “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. “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.”