Ian Ward is retiring from his position as chief executive of Leeds Building Society at the end of this year, but will remain a director during the first quarter of next year until the Society’s 2011 AGM.

Ward, who was the chief executive for almost 15 years, will be succeeded by the Society’s current finance director and deputy chief executive, David Pickersgill.

Pickersgill has worked for the Society since 1987 and has been a main board director since 1995. He is a Chartered Accountant and his previous roles include a period with Coopers and Lybrand (now PwC).

Robin Smith, chairman of Leeds Building Society, said: “Ian has been highly successful in leading the Society since 1995. During these 15 years