NatWest Announces Major Leadership Appointment for NatWest Markets
NatWest Group has issued a significant announcement affecting its entire customer base of 20 million individuals across the United Kingdom. The banking giant has confirmed the appointment of John Devine to the NatWest Markets (NWM) Board of Directors, where he will serve as a non-executive director and assume the role of Chair of the NWM Board.
Leadership Endorsement and Transition
Rick Haythornthwaite, the Chair of NatWest Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment. "I am delighted to welcome John as Chair of the NatWest Markets Board," he stated. "John brings exceptional depth of UK and international experience across the financial sector, including in highly and multi regulated environments."
Haythornthwaite further emphasized that Devine's extensive background in leading boards will prove invaluable as NatWest Markets works to strengthen its business operations and support the broader ambitions of the Group. He also extended his gratitude to Tamsin Rowe for her interim leadership as Chair of the Board during the transition period.
John Devine's Professional Background
John Devine joins NatWest Markets with a robust portfolio of experience in the financial industry. His career highlights include:
- Chief Financial Officer of Global Markets and Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch & Co
- Head of Global Operations at Merrill Lynch & Co
- Chief Operating Officer of Threadneedle Investment Services Ltd
Currently, Devine holds non-executive director positions on the boards of Aberdeen Group plc, UBS Business Unit Services AG, and Citco Custody Limited, in addition to serving as Chair of Credit Suisse International.
Reactions from the Interim Chair and Devine
Tamsin Rowe, the Interim Chair of NatWest Markets, welcomed Devine on behalf of the NWM Board. "I am pleased to be able to welcome John on behalf of the NWM Board, we look forward to working with him," she remarked. "His expertise and skills will be of great benefit to the Board and the management team."
In his statement, John Devine expressed his eagerness to contribute to the organization. "I am looking forward to working with the Board and the management team to deliver excellence for NatWest’s clients as the chosen partner for Fixed Income, FX and our Capital Markets businesses," he said.
NatWest's Position in the UK Banking Sector
NatWest, which operates branches in Birmingham and competes with major banks such as Santander, HSBC UK, Lloyds, and Barclays, continues to solidify its leadership team with this strategic appointment. The bank highlights that Devine's extensive investment banking and asset management experience will enhance its capabilities in serving clients across various financial markets.



