NatWest has announced it has appointed Paul Thwaite as group chief executive and executive director with immediate effect.

The announcement follows Thwaite’s appointment on an initial 12-month basis in July 2023. Thwaite was appointed chief executive after Alison Rose stepped down from the role after admitting she gave inaccurate information to the BBC about the closure of Nigel Farage’s Coutts account.

“Paul has shown an unrivalled understanding of this business, our customers, and the opportunities for growth,” said Rick Haythornwaite, chair designate of NatWest Group. “We are both ambitious for this organisation and I fully expect his potent blend of NatWest knowledge and thoughtful, imaginative approach to leadership to prove key to forging success in the rapidly changing landscape of banking.”

Earlier this month, NatWest announced the appointment of Emma Crystal as chief executive officer of its wealth business, including the private bank Coutts. Crystal will join NatWest in the summer from UBS, where she currently works as lead, sustainable finance group.

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