Wilson becomes NatWest senior independent director

Lena Wilson

NatWest Group plc — the bank formerly known as RBS — said former Scottish Enterprise CEO Lena Wilson will assume the role of its Senior Independent Director from April 1, 2025.

Aberdeen-headquartered transport giant FirstGroup plc announced in September that Wilson will join its board as chair on February 1, 2025.

“Further to the announcement on 26 July 2024, NatWest Group plc (NWG) announces that Mark Seligman, non-executive director and Senior Independent Director, will retire from the NWG Board on 31 March 2025,” said NatWest.

“Lena Wilson, independent non-executive director, will assume the role of Senior Independent Director from 1 April 2025.

“In addition, NWG announces the appointment of Gill Whitehead as an independent non-executive director with effect from 8thJanuary 2025.”

NatWest Group chair Rick Haythornthwaite said: “I would like to thank Mark Seligman for his significant contribution to the Board and its committees since his appointment in April 2017.

“During his tenure, Mark has dedicated significant time to NatWest and has been a highly valued director and colleague. We will miss his wise counsel and contributions around the Board table. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.

“Lena Wilson is a highly experienced board member who has demonstrated strong leadership and is highly regarded by her fellow directors.

“I am confident she will make a valuable contribution to the board as Senior Independent Director. In addition, Lena will continue to chair the Group Performance & Remuneration Committee.

“Finally, I am delighted to welcome Gill Whitehead to the NWG board.

“Gill’s deep expertise in data science and analytics, emerging customer focused technologies, global technology regulation and digital transformation are all highly relevant skills. She will be a strong addition to the board.”

Whitehead recently stepped down from her role as Group Director, Online Safety at Ofcom. She currently serves as Chair of Rugby World Cup 2025, Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of the British Olympic Association and Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of Informa plc.