The announcement comes as Nationwide reports its 2014/15 full year results. By summer 2016 Mr Beale will have spent nine years as Chief Executive and 13 years as a member of the Board.
Graham Beale said:
"Nationwide is in great shape and is demonstrating how a mutual building society can make a real and refreshing difference in the financial services sector. Succession of leadership is best dealt with from a position of strength and hence the time has come for the Society to identify and appoint its next Chief Executive. In the meantime, there is lots to do and there are exciting opportunities ahead, so it is very much business as usual."
Nationwide's Chairman, Geoffrey Howe said:
"I would like to thank Graham for his enormous contribution to the success of this organisation. He has led the Society safely through the worst financial crisis in living memory and at the same time created a truly modern mutual, with the needs of our members at the forefront of all that we do. He has also positioned the organisation for a digital world - ready to embrace the future and continue to innovate for the benefit of our members. This is the right time to plan for the future and in the meantime Graham will continue to lead the Society and will remain, as always, focused on the job in hand."
Nationwide will now begin the process of identifying a successor for Mr Beale. An announcement will be made in due course.
