Principality Building Society has today announced the appointment of Iain Mansfield as its next Chief Executive Officer, following the news that Julie-Ann Haines will be stepping down after 18 years of dedicated service to Wales’ largest building society.

Iain, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer, will become CEO designate from 13 October, with a formal transition date confirmed for November. His appointment marks the next chapter in Principality’s 165-year history, as the mutual continues its transformational journey of growth, innovation, and community impact.

A Proven Leader Within Principality

Iain joined Principality in 2015 and has since held a series of senior executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Nemo, before becoming CFO in 2022. He was appointed to the Board in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in developing the Society’s long-term strategy.

Throughout his tenure, Iain has overseen areas including strategy, finance, commercial lending, legal, procurement, change, IT and operations. His extensive experience spans retail banking, start-ups and private-equity-backed financial services businesses across the UK — providing a strong foundation for leading the mutual into its next phase.

“A Real Honour and Privilege”

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer at Principality Building Society and to lead the business in its next phase of growth and transformation. I want to thank Julie-Ann Haines today as she announces that she is stepping down, and look forward to starting the next chapter.”

“It is a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive at Principality Building Society – a 165-year-old business with a rich history. Julie-Ann leaves the Society in a strong position, and I look forward to working with the Board, colleagues and Members to accelerate our transformational journey to ensure we are fit for the next generation.”

Iain’s full statement is available via his official LinkedIn announcement.

Recognising Julie-Ann Haines’ Leadership

Iain succeeds Julie-Ann Haines, who has led Principality since 2020 after joining the Society 18 years ago. As CEO, she steered the business through the pandemic, served on the Prime Minister’s UK Business Council, and developed an ambitious strategy to double the size of the Society and reach one million savers by 2030. She will remain with Principality until mid-2026 to support a smooth transition.

“It has been such a privilege to lead Principality through what has been a truly transformational period. Together, we have helped thousands of people into homes, supported our savers and delivered a real and lasting impact through our partnerships and initiatives. I have been so proud to lead our dedicated and passionate colleagues, to share in their achievements, and confident that the business will continue to thrive under new leadership.”

Board Support and Confidence

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Julie-Ann for her contribution to Principality. Under her leadership, the Society has delivered consistently strong results with significant growth. Julie-Ann has championed mutuality by putting our Members at the heart of decision making, through our commitment to the high street, investing in our savings product and digital proposition and in our market leading customer service. We are grateful for her efforts, and wish her every success in her new role which she will commence in the middle of 2026.”

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Mansfield as Principality’s next Chief Executive, subject to regulatory approval. It is clear that the breadth and depth of his expertise and experience are exactly what the Society needs to take forward our ambitious strategy. His experience will be invaluable as we navigate the next chapter.”

About Iain Mansfield

Iain is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in financial services, spanning retail banking, commercial lending, and digital transformation. His leadership has been integral to Principality’s financial performance, operational resilience, and continued investment in both its Members and the Welsh high street.

As he steps into the role of CEO, Iain’s focus will be on accelerating Principality’s modernisation strategy — combining its 165-year mutual heritage with a forward-looking approach to sustainability, technology and Member value.