He will take up the role on 1 December 2013 succeeding the current Director-General, Adrian Coles, who announced his intention to step down in January.
Robin is currently the Executive Director, Members and Operations at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He joined the ICAEW in 2002 as Director of Finance. During his career, Robin has held a number of other senior positions in the corporate sector, including Finance Director and Company Secretary at GiroVend Cashless Systems PLC.
A fellow of the ICAEW, he is a member of the main Board and also has responsibility for regional operations, marketing, finance and IT as well as being spokesman on Economic Affairs. Robin is married with three children.
Commenting on his appointment, Robin said:
"Building societies and other mutual lenders and deposit takers play a vital role in the financial services sector in the UK. They are important to consumers and communities; contribute to financial stability and have a role to play in the growth and well-being of the UK economy. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the trade body that represents the sector at a time characterised by great opportunity and significant challenge.”
David Cutter, BSA Chairman, said:
“I am looking forward to welcoming Robin to the BSA. Not only the depth and breadth of his skills and experience, but his zest for this new role are impressive. Mutuals are different to banks and there is a real opportunity to further promote this point at a time when consumers are factoring standards and ethics into their buying decisions alongside rate, product, service and access. At the same time we are faced with the backdrop of a sluggish economy, a continued ultra-low Bank Base Rate and an ever increasing regulatory burden. Robin and his team will be working closely with members to overcome these obstacles and promote our challenger status.
“I am also grateful to Adrian for his tireless work over the past 20 years as Director-General. He will remain firmly at the helm of the BSA until Robin arrives.”
