RBS appoints Helen Cook as new chief HR chief

The Royal Bank of Scotland has appointed Helen Cook as its chief HR officer and will take up her new position on 3 April subject to regulatory approval.

Cook is a founding member of The Two Percent Club in Scotland, which aims to get more women into senior business roles and was previously RBS’ HR director of organisation and performance.

She will succeed Elaine Arden who held the position for seven years.

Before moving to Scotland to join RBS, Cook began her banking career at Deutsche Bank where she spent six years.

Chief executive Ross McEwan, whom Cook will report directly to, said: “Her role will be central to making this bank a great place to work and will help us build towards our goal of becoming number one for customer service, trust and advocacy.”

Cook added: “I’m passionate about motivating and engaging our colleagues to serve customers well no matter what job they do for us and I look forward to leading the team and making RBS a great place to work.”