Big impact

ROSS McEwan, outgoing chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, joked about the influence he is already having on how the market perceives National Australia Bank (NAB).

Mr McEwan has agreed to take the top job at Melbourne-based NAB after announcing his decision to quit state-backed Royal earlier this year.

He told journalists at The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow this week: “Twenty years ago, it (NAB) was the monster. It was the fourth-largest until the day they announced I was coming and the share price went up so much it became the third-largest, before I stepped in the door.”

Power of sport

CHAMPION powerlifter Anneli Ritari-Stewart has joined the board of Scottish Women in Sport (SWS).

The former runner and footballer is the managing director of Edinburgh performance agency iProspect, which has teamed up with SWS to host a major conference aimed at driving social change and enriching lives.

The conference, titled The Power of Sport, will bring together athletes, administrators, media, coaches and speakers to explore how the nation can capitalise on sport and physical activity. It takes place at Whitespace in Edinburgh on August 21.

Ms Ritari-Stewart said: “Sport makes a positive impact on our mental as well as physical health. Increasing gender equality in sport will also help drive gender equality throughout businesses and in boardrooms.That requires more funding, better pay and increased media coverage of women in sport.

“The team at iProspect are delighted to support such an important life-changing charity.”

Tough gig

THERE are worse ways to earn a living.

Susan Young, editor of pub magazine The Dram, is once again touring the nation’s hostelries as part of the publication’s annual awards scheme. The awards are now in their 24th year.

Ms Young, whose sister Nicola runs online betting auction business Betsold, said: “It’s a thirsty job, but someone’s got to do it.”