ABOUT
Dame Alison Rose’s career is defined by her expertise in business management, strategic transformation, and advocacy for social and environmental causes. As the CEO of NatWest Group, Rose oversaw a period of significant change within the institution, guiding it through a challenging economic landscape and spearheading substantial digital and strategic reforms. Her efforts to promote female entrepreneurship have sought to address gender disparities in business and create more supportive environments for women entrepreneurs, and her focus on climate change positioned NatWest as an advocate for sustainable practices.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in History from Durham University, Dame Alison Rose began her career at NatWest as a graduate trainee. Starting in 1992 at NatWest Markets, Rose rapidly moved up the ranks, showcasing her capability and strategic insight in various significant roles.
Her trajectory included pivotal positions such as Managing Director in Leveraged Finance from 2000 to 2006 and Global Head of the Global Banking and Markets Portfolio from 2009 to 2011. Her expertise deepened as she took on broader responsibilities as Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa Markets & International Banking between 2011 and 2012, followed by a role as Head of International Banking and Markets until 2014.
These roles prepared her for top executive positions, culminating in her appointments as Deputy CEO of NatWest Holdings. Here, she leveraged her experience to drive operational efficiencies, enhance customer relations, and improve financial performance, paving the way for her eventual role as CEO of the entire group.
During her tenure as CEO of NatWest Group, Dame Alison Rose orchestrated a period of profound transformation and strategic refinement for the bank. Assuming the role in 2019, she was instrumental in rebranding the institution from the Royal Bank of Scotland to NatWest, a change that symbolised a new era focused on modernization and customer-centric services. This rebranding was part of a broader strategy to streamline the bank’s focus towards core areas like retail and commercial banking while enhancing investment banking and wealth management services.
During her tenure as CEO of NatWest Group, Dame Alison Rose joined the executive committee of the bank, taking responsibility for the Corporate, Commercial, Private, and Wealth Management business of the bank. In this time, she substantially restructured the wealth management business, disposing of international operations and driving substantial improvement in returns and profitability. She also led the significant reshaping of the commercial bank, reducing capital and investment while driving higher returns. Additionally, she led the substantial restructuring of the investment bank, which was consuming over 25% of the bank’s capital, and reshaped the business to enhance returns. She also led the complex sale and disposal of Ulster Bank.
Under her leadership, NatWest undertook a substantial digital transformation initiative. Rose spearheaded efforts to increase automation in customer services, pushing digital interaction from 25% to over 85%. This shift not only improved customer experience by providing more efficient and accessible banking solutions but also positioned NatWest as a leader in digital banking innovation. Furthermore, she led the bank through significant challenges, including the global pandemic and economic uncertainties, implementing a £2.0 billion cost reduction program that substantially improved the bank’s cost-income ratio and profitability.
Rose’s tenure also emphasised corporate responsibility and sustainability. She championed the bank’s commitment to climate action, setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and promoting sustainable banking practices. Additionally, her leadership in the Rose Review on Female Entrepreneurship marked a significant contribution to addressing gender disparities in the business world. This initiative not only highlighted barriers women face in entrepreneurship but also set actionable commitments to support and empower female entrepreneurs.
Beyond her impactful tenure at NatWest, Dame Alison Rose has cultivated a distinguished career through various board and advisory roles. She has been actively engaged with organisations such as the Institute of International Finance and the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council, where she has contributed to shaping global financial strategies, with a particular focus on integrating ethical practices and fostering sustainable development within the financial sector. Additionally, her role as Vice-Chair of Business in the Community (BITC) has highlighted her dedication to corporate social responsibility. Through BITC, Rose has championed initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship within the business community.
In 2024, Dame Alison Rose expanded her advisory portfolio by joining the private equity firm Charterhouse. At Charterhouse, her role involves shaping investment strategies and providing guidance to portfolio companies, utilizing her financial background to support their growth and address operational challenges.
Later in the year, Rose assumed an advisory position with Mishcon de Reya, focusing on the firm’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy. In this capacity, she collaborates with the EDI Committee, mentors select partners, and contributes to the development of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity within the firm. These positions reflect a notable extension of her professional involvement across both private equity and the legal sector.
In addition to her leadership in banking and restructuring, Dame Alison Rose has built a distinguished career through a variety of board and advisory roles. Alongside her work with the Institute of International Finance and the World Economic Forum, she serves as a Non-Executive Director at GPE plc. She is also Co-Chair of the Energy Efficiency Taskforce and a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Council.
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