BBRS CEO Samantha Barrass has decided to leave the organisation, with the agreement of the BBRS Board, following the successful launch of the new, independent dispute resolution service. She joined the then-embryonic BBRS back in November 2019 and led it from its development stages through to its full launch in February this year. She will step back from the organisation from next month.

Samantha Barrass said: “With the BBRS up and running, now is a good time for me to take a step back, and for a new person to pick up the baton. I will never forget the extraordinary task of creating a new entity almost entirely under remote conditions. But we did it and I am proud of what the team achieved. I’m looking forward to a break and to turning my attention to my next challenge in due course.”

BBRS Chair Lewis Shand Smith said: “The BBRS has a lot to thank Sam for, not least her commitment and drive, getting the organisation to go live under lockdown conditions at the earliest possible opportunity. Having achieved that, her desire for a well-earned break is completely understandable, and I look forward to keeping in touch as she takes on her next role.”

The BBRS Board plans to appoint an interim CEO shortly to join the six-strong management team of the organisation and its Chair, Lewis Shand Smith, will step up his engagement for a short period to ensure the BBRS has the continuity and breadth of leadership needed to enable it to sustain its early progress.