ROYAL Bank of Scotland has hired one of its former executives to be the chief financial officer of Williams & Glyn.

Leigh Bartlett has been at Westpac in New Zealand for the past four years but was previously chief financial officer for RBS's insurance division and filled a similar role for its UK retail banking arm.

He has also held senior roles at Alliance & Leicester, KPMG and PwC.

Mr Bartlett, who will join on September 1 subject to regulatory approval, said: "I'm very excited to be taking up this position and I look forward to playing a leading role in building a vibrant UK challenger bank in Williams & Glyn."

Williams & Glyn will be comprised of more than 300 branches including Natwest sites in Scotland.

RBS chief administrative officer Simon McNamara said: "I'm delighted to welcome Leigh to the Williams & Glyn team. He brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience, from both here and abroad."