Philip Grant to fly the flag for Lloyds in Scotland

Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio has moved swiftly to replace outgoing Scotland executive Archie Kane as chairman of the committee looking after the group's interests north of the Border.

He has appointed Philip Grant, managing director of Lloyds' UK private banking business, as chairman of the Scottish executive committee.

Kane, group executive director for insurance and Scotland, announced last week that he was retiring. His successor will report directly to Horta-Osorio but unlike Kane he will not have a place on the bank's main board.

The committee includes a number of senior figures representing the group's interests in Scotland, including insurance, retail and corporate banking.

Grant will continue in his role as head of the private banking division reporting to Antonio Lorenzo, group director responsible for the wealth and international division.

Grant began his career with Bank of Scotland and is president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.

Horta-Osrio said: "I am delighted that Philip has agreed to chair the Scottish executive committee. We recognise that we have a significant responsibility both to our colleagues and to the communities and businesses in Scotland. Philip will be a great leader and ambassador for the group in Scotland."

Grant added: "My role will be to ensure that, together, we make every effort and identify every opportunity to maximise our contribution to the economy and communities of Scotland."