Nationwide Building Society CEO Dame Debbie Crosbie has been appointed as the UK’s new Women in Finance Champion, as the government increases pressure on financial services firms to accelerate progress on gender diversity in senior roles.
Dame Debbie replaces Aviva CEO Dame Amanda Blanc, who will step down after five years in the position. During Dame Amanda’s tenure, the proportion of women holding senior roles in financial services rose from 32% to 36%, alongside work to strengthen the career pipeline for women across the sector.
In her new role, Dame Debbie will continue advancing the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, now backed by more than 440 firms. The Charter aims to increase female representation in senior leadership positions and support productivity and growth across the UK’s financial services industry.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “When I became Chancellor, I said my time in office would be a success if more young women and girls knew there should be no ceiling on their ambition and no limit to what they can achieve.”
“The Women in Finance Charter is a key tool to achieve that progress. I thank Amanda for her exceptional leadership over the past 5 years, and look forward to working with Debbie as she takes on the mantle.”
Reflecting on her time as Champion, Dame Amanda Blanc said: “I am incredibly proud of the progress made during my time as Women in Finance Champion.”
“There is still plenty more to do to reach parity and I know that Debbie will be a powerful driving force in bringing about further progress and ensuring even more talented women are given the opportunities they deserve to thrive and lead.”
Dame Debbie Crosbie commented: “When women succeed in business they inspire the next generation and ensure economic growth is sustainable and inclusive. The Charter is key to driving even more growth in financial services and harnessing all of the sector’s skills and talents. I look forward to building on the excellent progress made by Amanda, and working with the Chancellor and across our industry to encourage even more growth and progress.”
Over the past five years, Dame Amanda has made a significant contribution to the initiative, including helping develop a sector-wide blueprint for change, championing women in underrepresented areas such as technology, supporting mid-career talent through the Mirror Taskforce, and convening industry leaders through groups such as the Women in Finance Climate Action Group for COP26 and the Accountable Executive Taskforce.
Dame Debbie will formally begin in the role on 1 January 2026. The position is an unpaid ministerial appointment reporting to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
She became Nationwide’s first female chief executive in June 2022 and was awarded a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in June 2025 for her contribution to the financial sector.
