RBS looks to Argos once again for NatWest chief
Royal Bank of Scotland has poached Argos head of brand marketing Helen Page to become brand director for NatWest bank.
The appointment sees her reunited with her former boss Paul Geddes, who is retail marketing and strategy managing director, overseeing both the Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest brands. Geddes was marketing director at Argos before his appointment to RBS in January this year (MW January 15).
Page has been on maternity leave since January and was tipped for the top job of Argos marketing director. But Argos managing director Sara Weller, who started last month, chose instead to appoint former Safeway marketing director Karen Bray to the role on an interim basis (MW July 8). Argos has begun the search to recruit a replacement.
Before joining Argos, Page was head of national communications at rival high street bank Abbey. She will work alongside Royal Bank of Scotland head of brand Ian Stuttard. She replaces Paulette Rowe who moved to a non-marketing role overseeing direct sales two months ago.
While at Argos, Page and Geddes oversaw the shift of advertising from Ogilvy & Mather to Euro RSCG London.
MediaCom handles the media accounts for all Royal Bank of Scotland companies, but the financial giant allows its portfolio of brands to use individual advertising agencies. M&C Saatchi holds the account for NatWest, while Saatchi & Saatchi does the advertising for Royal Bank of Scotland.
