Tate to head HSBC's Scottish commercial banking operation

HSBC is appointing its first head of commercial banking in Scotland as it continues to expand north of the Border.

Mark Tate will take the post after heading the corporate division at HSBC Bank Kazakhstan for the past two years.

HSBC said the new post had been created in response to increased demand for its commercial banking services across Scotland.

Tate will oversee the central and north Scotland teams, led by area commercial directors David Scott and Susan Rowand respectively.

"I've held ambitions to work in Scotland for some time now, so when the chance arose to lead the commercial banking team's expansion, it was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down," said Tate.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Scottish commercial team to realise the opportunities we have to grow the business in Scotland."

John Rendall, chief executive for HSBC in Scotland, said Tate had worked with many Scottish businesses, primarily in the oil and gas sector, while managing HSBC's growth in Kazakhstan.

He said: "I'm confident Mark's expertise will be appreciated by our clients and potential clients, particularly in developing markets, who are looking to expand their international outlook.

"HSBC has a very strong appetite to grow the commercial business in Scotland across all business sectors and we are investing heavily in people and premises to achieve this.

"Mark's appointment as head of commercial banking in Scotland will allow us to expand the business and attract new customers to HSBC."

Following his appointment in June 2009, Rendall announced "ambitious" plans for HSBC to grow market share north of the Border, in both business and retail banking.

He said HSBC was more attractive to business because it had not required a government bail-out.