In brief...: RBS unveils heavyweight director trio

Aug 29 2008

The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced the appointment of three heavyweight non-executive directors with speculation suggesting one of them may replace Sir Fred Goodwin.

The trio - Stephen Hester, John McFarlane and Art Ryan - will join the bank from October 1 subject to approval.

Hester is chief executive of British Land Company and was previously with Abbey National and Credit Suisse First Boston.

However, it is thought the 47-year-old could be a front-runner for the chief executive role at RBS if Goodwin is given the chop.

McFarlane has extensive international experience including 10 years as chief executive of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group. Ryan spent 14 years leading Prudential Financial in America and also held senior roles with Chase Manhattan Bank.