She becomes the first woman to lead the organisation
Julie-Ann Haines (pictured), chief executive of Principality Building Society, has been appointed chair of the Building Societies Association (BSA), effective immediately.
Haines takes over the role from Rob Pheasey, chief executive of Marsden Building Society, after serving as deputy chair since May 2023. Her appointment also marks a milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation.
The BSA represents the UK’s 42 building societies and seven major credit unions. These member-owned financial institutions hold assets nearing £525 billion and are responsible for more than £395 billion in residential mortgages — roughly 24% of the UK’s total. They also hold £399 billion in retail savings and account for 40% of the nation's cash ISA balances.
Headquartered entirely outside of London, building societies collectively employ about 52,300 people across the UK and operate through around 1,300 branches. The sector holds approximately 30% of all bank branches nationwide. Principality Building Society, which Haines leads, is the largest in Wales and ranks sixth across the UK in terms of size.
In a statement following her election, Haines said she was delighted to take on the role of BSA Chair, and was looking forward to continuing the work carried out by her predecessors.
“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,” she said. “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.
“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.”
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