Clydesdale Bank Announces New Head Of Corporate And Structured Finance

Clydesdale Bank has appointed Graham Cunning as the new head of its Corporate and Structured Finance team in Scotland following Jack Ogston’s decision to retire.

Currently regional director for acquisition finance in Scotland, Graham takes up the role with immediate effect. He has been with Clydesdale Bank since 2003, joining from the corporate finance team at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Graham was recruited to develop the acquisition finance team which is now one of the most established in the sector.

He will lead a team of 30 Corporate and Structured Finance specialists based in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The team is responsible for sourcing, structuring and completing transactions such as management buyouts and acquisitions and also for providing debt funding for corporate deals.

Jack Ogston’s decision to step down from the position follows more than 36 years with the bank but he will continue in a new part-time ambassadorial position for the company in Scotland, as well as business development and client relations roles.
Graham Cunning said: “Jack has been a pivotal figure, not just in the growth of Clydesdale Bank, but in the Scottish business and dealmaking communities.  His friendly and considered approach to business has permeated throughout Clydesdale Bank’s strategy and it is something I am very keen to continue.

“Despite the current economic climate, there is a real opportunity for Clydesdale Bank to capitalise on the corporate banking market. Jack has laid a strong foundation and we remain open for business at a time when customers are finding their usual routes to finance more difficult.”

Graham takes the helm during a busy period for Clydesdale Bank’s corporate team. In recent months it has provided debt funding for the newly created Amor Group in one of Scotland’s largest management buyouts. The bank also supported the buyout of Renfrew’s Gas Measurement Instruments and buy-in at Aberdeen-based Walker Technical Resources. 

Graham said: “As well as being in a strong position to fund and support larger structured finance transactions, Clydesdale Bank has seen tremendous growth in our corporate book including John Wood Group and Aggreko and with our strong competitive position and desire to further develop  our corporate banking business I am confident that we will see this trend continuing.”

Jack Ogston said: “We have a strong team in Scotland and I am confident that under Grahams’ leadership, the Corporate and Structured Finance team will continue to go from strength to strength.”