RBS seeks md for Own Brand arm

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is looking for its first managing director to head its Own Brand Businesses division.

The division was created in January following the merger of RBS and NatWest. It includes Direct Line Financial Services and Lombard Direct and has 400,000 customers and 1,000 staff.

The managing director is expected to have brand management experience and will be responsible for the development of existing brands and creating niche markets. Sarah Deaves, former managing director of Lombard Direct, has been acting managing director of Own Brand Businesses since the division was set up.

The vacancy follows a series of marketing reviews by the bank. It is reviewing its global advertising campaign for its corporate banking and financial divisions. M&C Saatchi created a national campaign before Christmas.

RBS is also reviewing two of its direct marketing accounts for card operations – the &£25m NatWest account held by TBWA/London and its Royal Bank of Scotland Avanta account held by Tequila.