Bank of Scotland hires new senior banker in Surrey

Monday 7th April 2008

Bank of Scotland Corporatein the South East has been further strengthened by the appointment of Hazel Hellier as Area Director for Commercial Business in Surrey and Hampshire.  This follows the Bank's recent restructure as it embarks upon an expansion programme in the area.

The previous Commercial Business team, which operated across the whole of the South of England, was split in two earlier this year, resulting in a new team dedicated to increasing market share for the Bank in the South East.  It is expected that Guildford, Woking, Farnborough and other nearby towns will play a significant role in this.

Hazel Hellier will report directly to Phil Beales, the recently appointed Head of Commercial Business for the South East.

Bank of Scotland Corporate has a growing presence in the South East.  It is offering superior products and services in an attempt to take market share from the big four corporate banks.

Commenting on her appointment, Hazel Hellier said:

"I'm extremely pleased to have been asked to lead the Commercial Business team here.  There is a clear opportunity to increase our presence locally and throughout the South East, and I'm looking forward to playing my part."

Phil Bealesadded:

"Surrey and Hampshire are important areas for us, and our expansion strategy is in good hands with Hazel.  She's a talented and experienced individual who I'm confident will do an excellent job for Bank of Scotland Corporate."

Notes to Editors:

Hazel Hellier's CV:

• 1990 – Joined HSBC Bank, graduating in Financial Services from University of Manchester. Qualified ACIB in Banking Services
• pre-2000 – Undertaking various specialist roles within Treasury Capital Markets, International Trade Finance and Cash Flow Finance.
• 2000 – Promoted to Area Director Western Europe within HSBCs Investment Bank in London, responsible for businesses with turnovers £500M+
• 2004 – Appointed as Area Commercial Manager Guildford, responsible for businesses with turnover up to £25M
• 2008 – Joined Bank of Scotland Corporate as Area Director Guildford.

Phil Beales' CV:

• pre-1994 – Worked in Reading for HM Customs & Excise, Sun Alliance and a local mortgage company, progressing to senior management level in the latter.
• 1994 – Joined Bank of Scotland in Reading as an Asset Finance Manager, providing Equipment and Vehicle facilities to the local corporate market.
• 1997 – Relocated to Truro, to manage the Corporate Asset Finance Branch covering Cornwall and South Devon
• 1999 – Moved back to the head office in Surrey to drive internal development in Sales Training and Direct Contact Centre management, working with many blue-chip corporate partners
• 2001 – Promoted to Director, responsible for national sales teams and driving growth across England & Wales.
• 2007 – Appointed as Head of Commercial Business for the South East of England, responsible for development of the Bank's corporate customer base and for delivering a locally focussed product.

Bank of Scotland Corporate, part of HBOS plc, has a reputation for excellence in the provision of corporate finance, delivering innovative funding solutions across a range of markets. With experience across many areas of corporate finance, including specialist teams covering Real Estate, Joint Ventures, Integrated Finance, Structured Property Finance, Infrastructure Finance and Housing Finance, Bank of Scotland can draw on an expert pool of professionals with proven track records. Bank of Scotland Corporate employs around 9,000 employees.  Total lending at June 2007 stood at £95.8 billion.