Why Was Nationwide's CEO Named UK Woman in Finance Champion?

Nationwide Building Society CEO Dame Debbie Crosbie has been named the UK’s new Women in Finance Champion, a national role that recognises her influence at the top of the financial services sector and her long-standing commitment to inclusion and progression for women.

The appointment was announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on 11 December 2025.

Debbie will succeed Dame Amanda Blanc, who steps down after five years in the role, during which senior female representation in key finance positions rose from 32% to 36%, according to government research.

Dame Amanda has been the CEO of Aviva since July 2020 and was previously CEO of EMEA and Global Banking at Zurich Insurance Group.

Handing over the crown 

Nationwide’s CEO will take up the unpaid, direct ministerial appointment from 1 January 2026, reporting to the Economic Secretary of the Treasury.

As Champion, she will continue to drive momentum behind the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, which now includes more than 440 firms committed to improving female representation at senior levels.

Announcing the appointment, Chancellor 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 would be no ceiling on their ambition and no limit to what they can achieve.

“The Woman in Finance Charter is a key tool to achieve that progress. I thank Amanda for her exceptional leadership over the past five years, and look forward to working with Debbie as she takes on the mantle.”

Amanda said she is “incredibly proud of the progress made” during her tenure but stressed that “there is still plenty more to do to reach parity”.

She added that Debbie would be “a powerful driving force in bringing about further progress” and ensuring more talented women are given opportunities to thrive and lead.

For Debbie, the role aligns closely with her own experience. She said: “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.”

She added: “I look forward to building on the excellent progress made by Amanda and working closely with the Chancellor across our industry to encourage even more growth and progress.”

A landmark appointment

The appointment follows Debbie’s rise at Nationwide, where she became the building society’s first female CEO.

Her journey to the role was confirmed in late 2021, when Nationwide announced she would succeed Joe Garner, taking up the position in the first half of 2022.

Under her leadership, Nationwide has delivered notable financial performance, including record returns to members.

For the year to 31 March 2025, the building society reported statutory profit before tax of around £2.3bn and delivered approximately £2.8bn in total value to members - including direct payments, competitive savings and mortgage rates and other incentives.

This included £1bn in direct bonus payments to members and £1.8bn in better-than-market rates on products such as savings and mortgages.

Nationwide also announced a third ‘Fairer Share’ bonus for £100 for over 4 million eligible members which was paid in mid-2025.

Since joining Nationwide in June 2022 and being appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in June 2025, her Champion award underscores her growing influence not just within Nationwide, but across UK financial services as a whole.