Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Jackie Leiper as the new chair of its Scottish executive committee.
She will now work with politicians, regional business leaders, community networks and charities to help address challenges facing the country.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Leiper takes over from Philip Grant, who retired at the end of 2022 after 40 years’ service.
She will use her knowledge of financial planning, saving and investing to support people across Scotland, championing small businesses, as well as advising on Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Born and raised in Larbert, Leiper has been chief executive of Dundee-based Embark Group since January 2022, following its acquisition by Lloyds.
Since joining Lloyds in 2010, she has specialised in pensions and investments, currently leading the Scottish Widows pensions and Halifax Share Dealing businesses, alongside her Embark responsibilities.
Leiper is also a board member at the Bank of Scotland Foundation, helping to support charities across Scotland.
“Scotland has so much to offer in terms of its people, culture, and businesses, so it wasn’t a difficult decision to say ‘yes’ when I was asked to take over from Philip,“ she stated.
“From tourism and hospitality to fintech and food, Scotland boasts a hugely diverse talent pool but it’s essential people have the financial know-how to reach their personal or business goals.
“It’s an interesting time for Scotland and while challenges do lie ahead, I’m excited to build on the strong foundations that Philip has built and work with other leaders and businesses to show the world what we have to offer.”
Separately, Jacqui Ferguson has been appointed interim chair of the Tesco Bank board.
She replaces Sir John Kingman, who stepped down on 22 January, ahead of his future appointment as chair of Barclays Bank on 1 June 2023.
With a portfolio non-executive director and chair roles, with more than 30 years’ experience, Ferguson is a former chief executive of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services UK.
She joined the bank's board in April 2018, serving as senior independent non-executive director since September 2021 - and will be replaced in this role on an interim basis by Robert Endersby.
Tesco Bank will now begin a search process for a permanent chair.
It has also appointed Prasanna Gopalakrishnan as a non-executive director. She is the group chief technology officer of Sky Group, responsible for setting the technology objectives and operating model for all Sky’s European territories.
Ferguson commented: “I look forward to working with the board, and our executive team, to continue growing our business and meeting the needs of our customers.
“I’m pleased to welcome Prasanna to the Tesco Bank board - her experience is a valuable addition to our business, in particular her successful delivery of complex technology and digital transformation, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion throughout her career.”
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