He replaces John Parker, chief executive of Stroud and Swindon Building Society, who has held the post for the past year.
Philip joined Nationwide in 1991 to head up the commercial lending area of the business. In 1994 he was promoted to Divisional Director and subsequently joined the Board in 1996, becoming Chief Executive in 2002.
Commenting on his election as chairman, Philip Williamson said: “I am delighted to take up this role at what is an important time for the building society industry. The market in which we operate is very competitive and we all need to rise to the undoubted challenges that we will face in the years ahead. There are some real opportunities for the sector. Without shareholders, we have an inherent advantage which we must continue to drive home. People like doing business with organisations that they can trust to put them first.”
Matthew Bullock, chief executive of Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, has taken over as deputy chairman, from Philip Williamson. Matthew joined Norwich and Peterborough as Chief Executive in 1999. Prior to this he had a broad banking career, spanning investment banking, credit risk management, retail banking and savings/investments and corporate and high-tech banking.
