IAN Ward is to retire as chief executive of Leeds Building Society, a position he has held for almost 15 years, at the end of the year, it has been announced today.

Mr Ward, who will remain a director of the building society during 2011 until its 2011 annual general meeting, will be succeeded by the society's finance director and deputy chief executive, David Pickersgill, who has said the society would not rule out merging with smaller rivals. 

Mr Pickersgill has worked for Leeds Building Society since 198......for the full story register now for free or login below...