GPE’s Rose to take on new RBS role

Great Portland Estates non-executive director Alison Rose has been appointed as the chief executive of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. She will start her new role on the 1 November. Rose, currently deputy chief executive of NatWest Holdings and chief executive of commercial and private banking, replaces current RBS group chief executive Ross McEwan. She will also be made executive director and chief executive on the boards of NatWest Holdings, The Royal Bank of Scotland, National Westminster Bank and Ulster Bank. RBS chairman Howard Davies said: “She brings extensive experience and a track record of success from her previous roles at the bank. Following a rigorous internal and external process, I am confident that we have appointed the best person for the job. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ross, on behalf of the board, for his leadership and commitment during his time as chief executive and wish him the very best for the future. Ross leaves a strong platform for his successor; a bank that has refocussed on its core markets in the UK and Ireland and resolved all its major legacy issues, while returning to profitability and paying dividends.” Rose said: “Under Ross’s leadership, RBS has undergone a significant transformation and, as part of his leadership team, I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished, and I would like to thank him for the support he has given me over the past six years. “Maintaining the safety and soundness of this bank will continue to underpin everything we do, as will our commitment to our customers and to delivering steady returns for our shareholders. “This is an exciting time as we enter a new chapter for this bank. Our industry is facing a series of challenges; from the ongoing economic and political uncertainty to shifts in the behaviour and expectations of our customers, driven by rapid advances in technology. “It will be my priority to make sure we are ready to meet these challenges and build the best bank for families, businesses and communities. We will be driven with real purpose in our work to help achieve the goals and potential of our customers and be there for them at key moments in their lives.” To send feedback, e-mail louise.dransfield@egi.co.uk or tweet @DransfieldL or @estatesgazette