United Trust Bank has hired Mark Stokes in the newly created role of chief commercial officer.

Stokes was formerly Metro Bank managing director – commercial banking and has worked in the banking industry at executive committee level for more than 20 years, including time at Lloyds Bank, RBS, Black Horse and Chartered Trust.

In previous roles, he has led successful strategic reviews, merger and acquisition activity and subsequent integration and change management programs.

Stokes will report directly to United Trust Bank Group managing director Harley Kagan. His key responsibilities include developing and managing UTB’s lending teams, its commercial strategy and proposition and exploring opportunities for the bank to enter and develop new markets.

Stokes says: “United Trust Bank is at an exciting stage of its development. It is a progressive and successful specialist bank with a demonstrated history of developing new markets and products, a vibrant culture and a focus on effective delivery and profitability. I’ve been really impressed by the people I have met and look forward to joining the team and helping to take the business to the next stage.”

Kagan says: “Mark has an excellent track record of developing and delivering successful growth strategies in the SME and specialist finance sectors. We are very pleased that he has joined the Bank and his many years of experience in commercial banking, including property and asset finance lending, will further strengthen UTB’s executive team in the Bank’s next exciting phase of growth.”