The new regional head of EMEA will also take on the role of global head of private banking referrals.

London-based Standard Chartered has appointed Stephen Atkinson as regional head of private banking, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global head of private banking referrals, with effect from 3 September. 

He takes over the regional responsibilities from Ian Gibson, who will be retiring from the bank in September this year.

Atkinson has 27 years of experience at Standard Chartered. Most recently, he was chief of staff for the bank’s chief executive, Bill Winters. 

In his new role, Atkinson will still be based in London and will report to Didier von Daeniken, global head of private banking and wealth management, and to Tracy Clarke in her capacity as regional CEO, Europe and Americas. He will also work closely with Sunil Kaushal, regional CEO of Africa and Middle East, to speed up business growth in the region. 

In addition to his regional responsibilities, Atkinson will be in close partnership with commercial, corporate and institutional banking in his newly-created global referrals role.

“We are delighted to have Steve lead our private banking business in EMEA as we aim to accelerate our growth across some of the world’s most dynamic wealth markets,” said Didier von Daeniken. “Private banking continues to be an important contributor to the success of Standard Chartered and Steve’s diverse insights and deep experience of our corporate and institutional banking business will enable us to further maximise the synergies of our corporate and private banking capabilities, to better serve the needs of our entrepreneurial clients.”