The new chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society today predicted the company had a bright future in Bradford.

Iain Cornish, 42, is to take over the role from David Anderson on July 1 when he leaves to become chief executive of JobCentre Plus, part of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Today Mr Cornish, who already works at the building society, said he was looking forward to the challenge but insisted there would be no dramatic changes. "I am thrilled," he said. "It is a huge responsibility but I believe passionately in what the Yorkshire is trying to achieve and we have got a good range of people working here.

"We've got a tremendous track record in delivering benefits to our members and I don't see that changing. I have been heavily involved in framing the strategy over the last ten years so this does not signal any change in that. It is going to be business as usual."

Mr Cornish, who lives in Ilkley, joined the Yorkshire in 1993 after spells with the Bradford & Bingley and KPMG. He is general manager marketing but has held a range of different roles.

And he said the Yorkshire, which has its headquarters in Rooley Lane and is Britain's third biggest building society, had a bright future in the city despite the twin challenges of a competitive market and the expected slump in house prices.

"We will be building from a very strong base," he said. "We have got a very able and very highly motivated team of people. A lot of them come from Bradford and we have two head offices here.

"We are very proud of that and it is a great place to do business. There is no reason why we should look outside."

Mr Cornish also paid tribute to Mr Anderson who had been chief executive for seven years. "His new job is a fantastic achievement and great recognition for the Yorkshire Building Society and for Bradford," said Mr Cornish.