Building Societies Association appoints new chair

Simon Taylor, chief executive of Melton Building Society, has been elected as the new chair of the Building Societies Association (BSA).

Simon is currently deputy chair of the BSA and succeeds Julie-Ann Haines, former chief executive of Principality Building Society.

Haines stepped down from her position as CEO of Principality last month, with Iain Mansfield, the Society's current chief financial officer, taking up the role.

Commenting on his election, Simon 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.

“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.”