Alun Williams, the longest-serving chief executive of any UK building society, is celebrating 25 years at the helm of Swansea Building Society by launching a new charitable fund to support good causes across Wales.
The £25,000 fund will be distributed to charities and community organisations, adding to the mutual's ongoing charitable giving, including its support for Prostate Cymru, the society's official charity partner for 2026.
Remarkable Growth Under His Leadership
Appointed in 2001 at the age of just 36, Williams became one of the youngest building society chief executives in the UK. At that time, Swansea Building Society had total assets of £34 million and a modest operational footprint. Under his leadership, the society has grown into one of the strongest-performing mutuals in the UK, with total assets reaching £715 million by the end of 2025.
Over the same period, annual profits have increased significantly, while the society has consistently ranked among the top-performing building societies in the UK over the past decade. This sustained success has been achieved while remaining true to its mutual model, funded entirely by members' savings and retained profits, without reliance on wholesale funding.
Community-First Approach
A Swansea native, Mr. Williams has remained committed to a local, community-first approach throughout his tenure. From expanding the society's branch network across Wales – with a clear ethos of opening, not closing, branches – to investing in digital innovation, he has prioritized both accessibility and modernization.
The society has strengthened its presence across the region through long-standing partnerships, sponsorships, and community initiatives, including support for local charities such as Wales Air Ambulance, Maggie's, and Prostate Cymru. Last year, it entered into a naming rights partnership with the Swansea Building Society Arena.
Over the years, the society has supported a wide range of initiatives, from grassroots organisations to major regional institutions including Swansea City AFC, Ospreys, Swansea RFC, and Glamorgan County Cricket Club. During its centenary year, it distributed £100,000 to local charities and community projects.
New Charity Fund and Reflections
The newly announced £25,000 charitable fund forms part of that ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities the society serves. Mr. Williams said: "It has been a privilege to lead Swansea Building Society over the past 25 years. When I joined, the priority was clear: to grow the society in a sustainable way while staying true to its purpose as a mutual organisation."
"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together as a team. Our success is built on the trust of our members, the dedication of our staff, and our commitment to the communities we serve. Ensuring the society remains strong for future generations has always been at the heart of every decision we've made."
"As we mark this milestone, it felt important to recognise the communities that have supported the society throughout its history. The additional £25,000 charitable fund is a way of giving something back and supporting organisations that make a genuine difference to people's lives across Wales."
To commemorate a quarter of a century with the mutual, Mr. Williams has taken part in a special filmed interview with Swansea-born musician and broadcaster Mal Pope. Mr. Williams has no retirement plans.
