The Association of Friendly Societies (AFS) has named Colin Paskell as its new president.
Paskell, who is also chief executive of the Druids Sheffield Friendly Society, will represent the trade association and 53 Friendly Societies across the UK in 2007.
He will head an executive committee of 13 at the AFS in addition to five standing committees.
"Friendly Societies play an important part for the consumer in today's financial services market by providing access to products and savings plans that other organisations are simply not in a position to provide,” he said.
"The AFS is evolving and my objective over the next year will be to support the movement and particularly the smaller societies in this development. It is a challenge that I fully intend to embrace."
In addition to being a member of the Policy and External Affairs sub-committee, Paskell will continue to be involved in a number of working parties and steering groups to forward the interests of the friendly society movement.
Andrew Townsley, chief executive of Sheffield Mutual was also appointed vice-president of the AFS.
