Pilling, currently head of branch network at HSBC Bank will take over from current chief executive Iain Cornish who announced his intention to step down in February of this year.
Ed Anderson, chairman of Yorkshire building society, said: “Chris Pilling is an excellent appointment for Yorkshire Building Society. The Yorkshire is one of the UK’s strongest financial institutions and recent merger and acquisition activity has further strengthened its position.
“Chris’s outstanding track record and his wealth of skills and experience in delivering exceptional customer services in the retail financial services sector will prove invaluable in equipping him to lead the society forward and build on the position we have established.
“Yorkshire Building Society’s culture is based on teamwork and Chris joins an extremely strong leadership team which has done an impressive job in leading the society through an exceptionally demanding period.
“I would especially like to thank Iain for his tremendous contribution to the society’s success and wish him well for the future.”
Pilling added: “I am delighted to be joining Yorkshire Building Society at an exciting time in its history. The society has a long held reputation for delivering outstanding value and excellent service to its members.
“It is clear to me that its success is based on its mutual status, combined with its financial strength and great commitment from its staff.
“The Yorkshire has a tremendous opportunity to build on its status as an independent building society to provide a real and trusted alternative to the banks and I am very much looking forward to being a part of that.”
Cornish, said: “I am delighted that Chris is joining the society. Over the past eight years, it has been a privilege to serve as chief executive.
“During that time the society has done an outstanding job for members, which is testament to the commitment and professionalism of my colleagues throughout the business.
“It has been a pleasure to have worked with an outstanding leadership team who have worked hard to ensure the society is very strongly positioned for the future.
“I am sure that Chris, together with his colleagues, will lead the society to future continued success.”
