Royal Bank revamps marketing

The Royal Bank of Scotland has abolished the position of director retail marketing, divided the responsibilities of the post and appointed a new director.

The position had been held by Stan Comber since 1993, but he has retired early. His responsibilities have been taken over by former boss, Frank Kirwan, director retail banking. Stuart Sinclair has been promoted to director retail development.

Sinclair reports to Kirwan, and will develop products both for existing and new customers. “It’s very much a strategic role, which Kirwan previously filled,” says a spokesman.

Sinclair joined the bank last year as assistant director in the brand banking division. Before that, he was a principal with Mercer Management Consulting.

The Royal Bank’s marketing department was restructured earlier this year, resulting in the loss of between 20 and 30 jobs. The spokesman denies the marketing function had been downgraded.

Dennis Brockwell, divisional director of marketing at the Nationwide, the UK’s second-largest building society, will be divisional director, central customer services from next week. Peter Richardson, divisional director, mortgages and insurance, replaces him as head of the marketing division.