Rowling, current deputy chief executive, is to start his new position from 1 January 2006 when Stuart Brandreth, who will have held that office for 19 years, will step down.
David Thompson, chairman, commented: "Stuart has led the Society with great distinction and has helped to transform it into one of the most efficient and friendly in the country. As an enthusiastic promoter of the Society's values, with wide experience of the building society industry, Ian is well able to face, and greatly looks forward to, the challenges which lie ahead."
Mr Rowling, aged 53, joined the Society in 1977 and was appointed to the board in 1987. He is married with three adult children. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, and gained an MBA at the University of Nottingham.
