Hampden Bank has hired Haydn Aird to the new role of head of banking, North & Midlands. He will build and lead a team based in Manchester.

Aird spent 16 years at HSBC before joining Handelsbanken to open its Chester branch. He has since worked in a range of senior leadership roles including area director for Handelsbanken’s wealth management business, and as chief financial crime prevention officer. Most recently, he was branch manager at Handelsbanken’s Wilmslow office.

Commenting on his appointment Aird said: “This is an exciting time to join Hampden Bank as it expands to meet demand for personalised banking. Having a presence in Manchester, the first outside London and Edinburgh, will allow us to serve the banking needs of clients in the North and Midlands. I look forward to building the team and to working with colleagues and professional advisers to deliver for clients.”