David Webster, chief executive of Hanley Economic Building Society has been elected chairman of the Building Societies Association (BSA) for 2010/11.

He replaces Graham Beale, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society, who has held the post for the past year.

Peter Griffiths, chief executive of Principality Building Society, has taken over as BSA deputy chairman from David Webster.

Webster said: “I feel extremely proud and privileged to be elected chairman of the BSA and I will be doing everything I can to promote the virtues and values of the mutual sector. These are tough times for our businesses and for our customers too