NatWest Group has announced the appointment of Solange Chamberlain as the CEO of its Retail Bank, effective on July 1, subject to regulatory approval.

Chamberlain will report directly to the organization CEO, Paul Thwaite, and be a member of the Executive Committee of NatWest Holdings. 

Thwaite said: “I’m delighted to welcome Solange as the new CEO of Retail at such a pivotal time for NatWest. She has a deep understanding of the competitive and fast-moving environment we’re operating in and will help us accelerate our strategy. Her knowledge of our customers, sharp strategic thinking, and track record of transformation delivery will help us to grow our retail business and succeed with customers.”

Chamberlain joined NatWest in 2019 and has held a number of senior management roles, including Chief Operating Officer of the Commercial Bank, which broadened to cover Commercial and Institutional Banking following the merger of three business divisions. In September 2023, she became Director of Transition and Leadership, supporting Paul Thwaite firstly as interim CEO and then in the permanent role.

Chamberlain said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead NatWest’s retail bank at such an exciting time. Over 18 million customers rely upon a combination of our market-leading digital offering and talented colleagues, whether they’re buying a home, saving for the future, or managing their money. By focusing on our customers’ needs and ensuring they can bank with us in a way that suits them, we have a great opportunity to build on these relationships and begin new ones. I can’t wait to get started.”

Since April 2024, she has been Group Director of Strategic Development and a member of the Group Executive Committee. Prior to joining NatWest, Chamberlain spent seven years in a variety of role across Lloyds Banking Group. She started her career in investment banking, with roles at Citigroup, Perella Weinberg Partners and Lazard.