HSBC corporate chief Alan Rigby to retire
LONG-serving North West corporate banker Alan Rigby is to retire early next year.
Mr Rigby has been HSBC’s North West head of Corporate for the last 10 years and when he retires next March will have notched-up 39 years’ service with the bank.
He joined HSBC in 1975 and spent the first 13 years of his career in the region before moving to London to work in credit and corporate banking. He returned to the North in 1994 to take on senior management roles across both Yorkshire and the North West before becoming North West head of corporate in November 2003.
He will be replaced by Sacha Balachandran, currently head of corporate distribution management in HSBC’s corporate and structured banking team.
Mr Rigby said he was proud to have started and finished his career with HSBC.
“My time as head of corporate, however, has been one of the most challenging and rewarding, particularly given the economic circumstances since 2007, which has been one of the toughest downturns North West companies have experienced.
“It is only in adversity that true strength and character shines through in business and we have seen that in abundance in this region in recent years.”
He added: “I leave the North West corporate team in a safe pair of hands with Sacha. He is hugely experienced, with strong ideas and a passion for delivering excellent customer service.”
Mr Balachandran, joined the bank in 2004, having originally trained as an accoutant with KPMG. He will move to Manchester from January 2014 but will be spending time in the region building his network.
Alison McGregor, HSBC director of Corporate Banking for the North, said: “Alan has served HSBC with commitment and distinction for nearly four decades.
“He is a hugely respected, and liked, member of the North West business community who is known for his honesty, loyalty and consistency. Alan’s focus now will be to deliver a smooth handover of the business functions and to work closely with Sacha to ensure consistency in service for our many North West customers.”
Mr Balachandran added: “The North West is a powerhouse of the UK economy with a high number of leading businesses. I want to build on the solid foundations Alan is leaving and deliver an excellent service to new and existing customers alike, demonstrating our continued commitment and growth aspirations for HSBC in the region.”
