New Chief Executive Officer for NS&I Announced

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has named Dax Harkins as the new Chief Executive of National Savings and Investments (NS&I).

Dax has served as the Acting Chief Executive since March 2023 and has now been appointed to the role permanently following an open recruitment process that adheres to the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment guidelines.

With 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, covering various areas including sales, product development, customer management, customer experience, and outsourcing, his extensive knowledge of the industry made him the leading candidate in the selection process.

He will oversee one of the largest savings organizations in the UK, providing a variety of savings and investment products to 25 million customers. All offerings come with 100% capital security, as NS&I is supported by HM Treasury.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, remarked:

“Millions of Brits save with NS&I because it provides safety, simplicity, and excellent returns, while also allowing funds to be lent to the Government for essential public services like policing, healthcare, and education.

“This comes with significant responsibility, and I wish Dax Harkins and the NS&I team all the best. I look forward to collaborating with them to support nationwide savings.”

Dax Harkins, Chief Executive of NS&I, stated:

“NS&I boasts a rich history and a promising future, and I’m privileged to be appointed Chief Executive of such a remarkable organization. Having held a variety of positions within the organization, I can assure you that everyone is fully dedicated to ensuring NS&I maintains its important role in supporting the nation’s saving efforts. I am thrilled to lead NS&I as we evolve our business to meet customer needs while continuing to provide crucial funding to the government.”

Dax takes over from Ian Ackerley, who retired in March 2023 after six years as Chief Executive of NS&I. An open hiring process for the Chief Executive position was conducted in line with the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment policies.

Further information

Dax Harkins became Acting Chief Executive of NS&I on 13 March 2023. Before this appointment, he was responsible for developing and implementing NS&I’s business-to-business strategy and overseeing its operational performance.

A joint honours degree graduate from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Dax has nearly 30 years of experience in financial services. He began his career in sales at National Provident and advanced into various marketing roles at AMP, concentrating on product development, customer management, and enhancing customer experience.

In 2003, Dax joined NS&I, and in 2011, he transitioned from marketing to Programme Director for the retendering of the NS&I outsourcing contract. He joined the Board in 2014 as Business-to-Business Director and achieved the status of Chartered Director, accredited by the Institute of Directors, in 2018.

As one of the largest savings organizations in the UK, NS&I offers a comprehensive array of savings and investment options to 25 million customers. All products provide 100% capital security, as NS&I is supported by HM Treasury.