It has appointed former RBS executive Finlay Williamson as chief financial officer, Marcus Ezekiel, ex-head of legal for retail at HBOS as commercial director and former Bradford & Bingley director of savings Ian Cornelius as banking director. All three will report to Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive of Virgin Money.
Earlier this month, Virgin Money took its first steps to moving on to the high street by the acquisition of regional private bank Church House Trust.
Scott Mowbray, spokesman for Virgin Money said: “I am delighted to welcome Finlay, Ian and Marcus to Virgin Money. Our approach to banking will be founded on developing a sustainable, well capitalised and prudently managed retail bank with an absolute focus on serving customers. With their skills, knowledge and banking experience they will be invaluable additions to the Virgin Money management team”.
The move comes ahead of rumours of an expected bid by the group for the network of 300 branches put up for sale by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Virgin is also rumoured to have talked to a number of parties that could help fund a renewed approach for Northern Rock.
