Scottish Financial Enterprise, the member body for Scotland’s big financial services industry, has appointed Ben Rose as its new director of public policy and communications and Christina Anthoulaki in the new role of programme director.
Both Rose and Anthoulaki are former NatWest Group executives.
Rose replaces SFE’s outgoing Sandy MacDonald who has been appointed Executive Director, Impact Assessment and Reporting at the Scottish National Investment Bank.
“The two appointments will further strengthen the SFE team and support the delivery of its sector-wide strategic priorities for its over-110-strong membership,” said SFE.
“Rose brings over 15 years of public and private sector experience – most recently as senior public policy manager for NatWest Group – and also served as chair of SFE’s public affairs and communications forum between 2021 and 2023.
“His role includes leading all aspects of SFE’s policy development, government engagement and broader stakeholder communication.
“Anthoulaki joins as programme director, a new role designed to ensure key programmes across SFE are coordinated and delivered in line with Scotland’s Financial Services Strategy, including the delivery of its flagship Skills Action Plan and the sector’s Growth Strategy.
“She spent six years at NatWest Group in a variety of technology and change management roles before joining law firm Mishcon de Reya as finance product lead, where she helped to shape the organisation’s strategy towards a more efficient business model.”
Rose said: “Having been part of the SFE community for a number of years, I have seen first-hand the huge value that the organisation brings to Scotland’s financial services industry, and the important role it plays in advocating for a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable Scottish economy.
“I look forward to working with Sandy and the team, along with SFE’s members, partners and stakeholders, to continue delivering and developing our programme of engagement and providing a strong voice for the industry.”
Anthoulaki said: “I am delighted to join SFE and look forward to supporting its growing portfolio of strategic programmes, including developing a robust sector-led growth strategy and delivering SFE’s sector-wide Skills Action Plan.
“As part of this, my focus will be on simplifying career pathways, promoting career benefits and opportunities, and strengthening how we enable and develop the talent that is needed to help the industry continue growing and thriving. I am excited to get started.
Scottish Financial Enterprise Chief Executive Sandy Begbie said: “As our membership continues to grow, we are adding new talent and expertise to help us oversee our increasingly ambitious agenda.
“Ben and Christina bring valuable capability across a range of specialisms that will add value to our membership and support our strategic priorities.
“I’m looking forward to working with Christina on developing our industry-wide growth strategy, and with Ben to further develop our strong relationships with both the Scottish and UK Governments and delivering our public policy agenda.”