Equals Group PLC (LON:EQS), the e-banking and international payments group, has announced the appointment of the former chief executive of challenger bank First Direct, Alan Hughes as a non-executive director with effect from 1 March.
In a statement, the AIM-listed group noted that Hughes is a highly experienced director with a speciality in fast-growth banks and fintech businesses, and, until 2004, he was an executive board member and general manager at HSBC Bank.
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In 2013, he led a consortium backed by Blackstone and AnaCap which bid for 312 Royal Bank of Scotland branches, in a deal worth approximately £1bn.
Hughes is currently non-executive chairman of Unity Trust Bank PLC, an independent bank with a focus on social benefit, as well as senior independent director and deputy chair of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, a regulated personal finance company.
John Pearson, Equals’ non-executive chairman commented: "We are delighted that Alan is joining the Group as he brings not only a wealth of industry expertise but also extensive experience as a successful director of fintech businesses.
“As Equals continues its growth trajectory, Alan's guidance as Non-Executive Director will be invaluable to the Group."