NatWest has appointed a new Head of Corporate Banking for the East Midlands as the bank looks to strengthen support for businesses across Northamptonshire and the wider region.

Ken Feast has taken up the role after serving as Head of Business Development for Invoice Finance in the Midlands and East. He succeeds Tom Corr, who has retired.

Based within NatWest’s East Midlands operation, Ken will oversee a commercial and corporate banking team serving businesses across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. His focus will include supporting companies operating in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and other growth-focused industries.

Ken brings more than 20 years’ experience in banking, having worked across retail banking, business banking, transaction services and structured working capital solutions.

His appointment comes as NatWest continues to increase its focus on the UK’s mid-market business sector, which the bank believes has significant potential to drive economic growth.

Ken said: “The East Midlands has a strong business base, from advanced manufacturing and logistics through to fast-growing mid-market companies. Our role is to help businesses access the right funding, expertise and strategic support to grow confidently in a changing economic environment.

“Having started my career in Nottingham at the Smiths Bank Branch, I am extremely proud to be based back in my home city.”

Ken will work alongside Anne-Marie Hunt, Regional Director, Commercial Mid-Market, who recently became NatWest’s Mid-Market Champion for the East Midlands under the bank’s Growing Together programme.

Anne-Marie said: “Ken is a fantastic addition to the East Midlands leadership team. He’s highly respected by customers and colleagues alike for his straight-talking approach and his ability to deliver for businesses. His promotion to Head of Corporate Banking is well deserved and I’m excited to have him in the team as we support more organisations to invest and grow across the region.”

Main image: Ken Feast has been appointed Head of Corporate Banking for NatWest in the East Midlands.