NatWest reverses decision to scrap the CMO role as it hires Margaret Jobling
Jobling will be responsible for moving the newly-renamed NatWest group forward as it looks to finally put the banking crash behind it and embark on a new strategy with purpose at its heart.
By Sarah Vizard
NatWest Group has hired former Centrica marketing boss Margaret Jobling as its new CMO in an apparent reversal of a decision to scrap the role following the retirement of David Wheldon earlier this year.
NatWest had said in February that it would not replace Wheldon in a like-for-like role, instead hiring a group director of communications and corporate affairs, and a director of marketing. However, it has now reinstated the CMO role and made it a board-level position reporting directly to CEO Alison Rose.
Rose says: “As we move forward as NatWest Group, it’s so important for us to talk to our customers about the help we can offer them and how we do business. That’s what will define us and set us apart as we champion the potential of the people, families and businesses we serve.
“Margaret’s role in this will be vital, leading an integrated marketing strategy across our businesses, and her expertise and experience is an important addition to my senior leadership team.”
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Jobling has worked for a number of brands during her career in marketing, including Unilever, Cadbury and Birds Eye. She joined Centrica in 2014 as brand and marketing director for British Gas before being promoted to group CMO in 2018. She left the company earlier this year as part of a restructure that saw it shedding 5,000 jobs and halving its 40-strong senior leadership team.
She joins NatWest at a time of change for the group, which earlier this month completed its rebrand from RBS Group and is embarking on a new strategy under Rose, who also recently joined.
Jobling adds: “I’m delighted to be joining NatWest Group at such an exciting time for the business, as it embarks on a new strategy with purpose at its heart. This is a time when customers will need the support of their bank more than ever. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with colleagues from right across the bank to understand how we can best help our customers and champion their potential.”
