Williams took on the chief executive role with Swansea Building Society in May 2001, following roles as director of banking business at Bank of Wales, and head of securities at Williams & Glyn Bank. 

Within 12 months of Williams joining, the society grew by 35% and gross lending increased by 48%.

As of June this year, the building society had total assets in excess of £500m. 

The news of Williams becoming the sector’s longest-serving chief executive was confirmed by the archivist of the Building Societies Association. 

Commenting on his achievement, Williams says he is “delighted”.

He says: “During the 21 years I’ve held the position at Swansea Building Society, we’ve weathered several global financial storms, and most recently the pandemic. Through all this time, we have held fast to our ethos of opening and not closing branches, enabling our customers to access our personal, face-to-face service.”

Swansea Building Society chairman Ieuan Griffiths adds: “Alun’s contribution to the success of Swansea Building Society over the past 21 years cannot be overstated. We all congratulate Alun on these achievements, as well as his new status as the sector’s longest serving chief executive.”