"It is a great honour to be elected to this role and I will endeavour to serve Welsh rugby to the very best of my ability," said Pickering, a former Welsh international with 23 caps to his name.
"I want to thank everyone involved in the game for the help and support I receive, particularly my colleagues on the Board and in the Union.
"As Chairman I am proud to have been in office as the WRU debt has reduced by some £40m and the national team has delivered two Grand Slam victories for us all to celebrate."
Pickering also currently sits on the Executive of the International Rugby Board.
