J Sainsbury plc said on Tuesday it appointed former RBS executive Jim Brown as chief executive officer of Edinburgh-based Sainsbury’s Bank, subject to regulatory approval.

Brown worked for Royal Bank of Scotland plc from 2015-2017 as chief executive of Williams and Glyn, was chief executive of Ulster Bank Group from 2011-2015, and chief executive of retail and commercial markets, Asia, for RBS Asia from 2005-2011. 

Brown will join as CEO Designate on June 19 and will work with Peter Griffiths for a short period of handover.

Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe said: “Jim has a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leading banks through significant change, which will help him lead Sainsbury’s Bank through the next stage of its journey.”

Brown said: “I’m really excited to be joining Sainsbury’s, which has a very strong brand and is well trusted by its customers.

“The combination of Sainsbury’s, Argos and Nectar, along with Sainsbury’s Bank, provides a real and unique opportunity to offer customers easy access to digitally-led financial services. 

“I have been impressed by everyone I have met so far and am very much looking forward to joining the team.”