I joined Standard Chartered in 1995 as a Global Account Manager in Wholesale Banking Client Relationships (now Origination & Client Coverage). Since then, I´ve had a wide variety of roles covering different countries and businesses. I´ve been a Regional General Manager for Africa; Head of Large Corporates, Wholesale Banking in Hong Kong; Group Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Affairs and Head of Integration in Thailand.

It´s always exciting being able to shape something new. When I took on the role in 2005, The Private Bank was yet to be launched, but the Jersey business had to be evaluated and required new business model to turn it around. Jersey is now one of The Private Bank´s biggest businesses.

The role The Private Bank plays in linking our two global businesses also attracted me. There are huge opportunities to leverage our Wholesale and Consumer client relationships to bring business to The Private Bank and vice versa. For example, owners and senior executives of large companies with which we have a Wholesale Banking relationship are also potential Private Banking clients.

Seeing the former American Express Bank teams working so well with the Standard Chartered teams is brilliant. Recently I spoke with one of the senior AEB Relationship Managers (RM) about a recent sales visit. On the visits, the AEB RM was able to introduce some of his existing Private Banking clients to our Wholesale Banking RMs. In return, the WB RMs introduced their clients to The Private Bank. The AEB RM was overwhelmed by the welcome he received from his new Standard Chartered Bank colleagues while travelling.

It´s great to be part of such a committed and experienced Leadership Team. Peter Flavel´s senior team has a huge amount of private banking experience, which I can learn from.

Private Banking is a very specialist area and I am fortunate to experience this fascinating business. I´ve also benefitted from having the opportunity to get back into a client facing role.

• Research your potential roles well
• Talk to as many people as possible
• Once you´ve made the decision be wholehearted about it
• When you start the role, be open to new ideas, cultures and ways of doing things.

A huge amount has happened since The Private Bank launched. The acquisition of American Express Bank has meant a quantum leap in our capabilities. The combination of our franchise and AEB´s infrastructure is very exciting. I am very positive about the future and I am convinced that we will achieve our growth aspirations and be recognised as one of the best private banks around.