Santander Announces Major Leadership Shift for Cater Allen Private Bank
In a significant move affecting millions of customers, Santander UK has revealed a major change in leadership at its subsidiary, Cater Allen Private Bank. The high street bank, with branches across Birmingham, has appointed Kitty McCormick as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jon Howe, who has stepped down after an impressive 17-year tenure at the helm.
New Leadership Brings Extensive Experience
Kitty McCormick assumes the role following a three-year period as Head of Private Banking at Santander UK. Prior to this, she spent 12 years supporting private banking clients and leading development operations at prominent financial institutions, including NatWest and Coutts. With over 15 years of experience in financial services, her career began at Coutts, where she served as Director of Lending and Capital Management and Head of Innovation.
Before joining Santander UK in 2023, McCormick held the position of Director of Client Service at NatWest Group, further solidifying her expertise in the sector.
Strategic Focus on Customer Innovation
In her new role, Kitty McCormick will report to Gail Russell, Head of Everyday Banking at Santander UK. Russell expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "I'm delighted to welcome Kitty as the new leader of the Cater Allen brand. With more than 15 years' experience in private banking, she brings deep expertise, a strong customer focus, and a genuinely people-first approach to leadership."
She added, "Her experience will play a key role in shaping the continued success of Cater Allen, and I look forward to working with her as we build on this momentum."
McCormick commented on her appointment, saying, "I'm excited to lead Cater Allen into its next chapter. The brand is in a strong position today, and I look forward to building on that momentum with the team. Together, we will focus on delivering innovative developments for both new and existing customers, while continuing to strengthen our offering in the years ahead."
About Cater Allen Private Bank
Cater Allen, a subsidiary of Santander UK, provides comprehensive private banking services tailored to individuals and businesses. Its offerings include:
- Current and savings accounts
- Specialist banking services for trusts, charities, and pension administrators
- Support for personal representatives and executors
This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the bank, as it aims to enhance its services and maintain its strong market position under new guidance.
