Robin Fieth, executive director of the ICAEW, is to leave the institute to join the Building Societies Association (BSA) as chief executive.

He will take up his new role on 1 December 2013 succeeding the current BSA director-general, Adrian Coles, who is set to leave after 20 years in the top job.

The ICAEW has confirmed that Fieff will remain in post until the end of November. A spokesperson said they did not wish to comment on recruitment or succession plans at this time.

Fieth is currently executive director, members and operations at the ICAEW, where he has worked since 2002. A fellow of the ICAEW, he is a member of the main board and has responsibility for regional operations, marketing, finance and IT.

Outgoing BSA director-general Coles is stepping down after 20 years in the role.

Welcoming the appointment of Fieff, David Cutter, BSA chairman, said: '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.'

In the 2012 annual review, published on 13 May, the ICAEW reported total income of £82.7m, with a retained loss of £1.2m for the year despite an increase in membership numbers. The losses were put down to ongoing costs of AADB, pensions and other operating areas.

ICAEW chief executive Michael Izza said: 'During his time at ICAEW, Robin not only brought a rigorous approach to our financial management with the establishment of a really strong finance team but played a critical role in the development and implementation of our strategy. He helped set up our international regions and more recently has focused his energies on the UK regions.'

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