New appointments bring further experience to government’s Shareholder Executive
Robert Swannell and Robin Lawther appointed as Non-Executive Directors to the government’s Shareholder Executive.
The appointment of 2 Non-Executive Directors to the government’s Shareholder Executive has been announced today (11 December 2013) by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The new appointments of Robert Swannell and Robin Lawther will bring further knowledge and experience to the Shareholder Executive to help deliver its aim to be an effective shareholder of businesses owned by the government and secure best value for the taxpayer.
Robert Swannell, a chartered accountant and barrister, has been the Chairman of Marks and Spencer since January 2011 having previously spent over 30 years in investment banking with Schroders/Citigroup.
Robin Lawther has been with JPMorgan for 28 years in a number of senior positions, including Head of Investment Banking for the Nordic Region and a Managing Director in the European Financial Institutions Group.
Both will formally join the Board early in the new year.
Chief Executive of the Shareholder Executive Mark Russell said:
These appointments are strong additions to the Shareholder Executive Board which now has a broad range of skills and expertise covering corporate finance, corporate recovery and capital markets. Robert and Robin’s considerable experience will be vital in helping us maintain the UK’s shareholdings and providing expertise for significant cross-government projects.
The Shareholder Executive had a busy year, and I look forward to working with both Robert and Robin to meet the challenges ahead including the government’s target of realising £20 billion by 2020 from corporate and financial asset sales.
Robert Swannell said:
The Shareholder Executive has an important role in its ownership of key national assets and in helping the public and private sectors work together to help stimulate economic growth. So, I am delighted to be joining the Shareholder Executive as a Non-Executive Director.
Robin Lawther said:
The government owns and has a shareholding interest in a range of important and dynamic industries and I look forward to working with the Shareholder Executive in offering my advice as part of the government’s growth and efficiency agenda.
The Shareholder Executive was formed in 2003 with a mandate to improve the government’s performance as a shareholder of publicly-owned businesses. It now has a portfolio of around 20 businesses in which government has a shareholding, and works with government departments and management teams to help these businesses perform as commercially as possible.
The Shareholder Executive has developed a wider role as a specialist provider of corporate finance advice across government, which includes advising on asset sales, launch aid and broader forms of assistance for other significant government projects.
Notes to Editors:
1.The Shareholder Executive (ShEx) is part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, but a large part of its work is carried out for other government Departments.
2.The candidates were selected through an open and fair process after the position was advertised on the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website. Candidates were assessed on the quality of their written application, with successful candidates being invited to interview.
3.Biographies:
Robert Swannell spent over 30 years in investment banking with Schroders/Citigroup, becoming Vice-Chairman of Citi Europe and Co-Chairman of Citi’s European Investment Bank. He has been Chairman of Marks and Spencer since January 2011, formerly Chairman of HMV, and Senior Independent Director of both The British Land Company and 3i Group. His public sector experience includes the Regulatory Decisions Committee of the FSA, the Takeover Panel Appeal Board and the Industrial Advisory Board. He is a Chartered Accountant and Barrister.
Robin Lawther has been with JPMorgan for 28 years in a number of senior positions, including Head of Investment Banking for the Nordic Region and a Managing Director in the European Financial Institutions Group.
4.Working with other central government departments, particularly HM Treasury and Cabinet Office the Shareholder Executive plays a wider role as a corporate finance resource within government. This includes advising on launch aid and regional and industrial assistance.
5.The ShEx Board normally meets six times a year, and on such other occasions as the Chair, in consultation with the CEO, deem appropriate. Board NEDs are paid a £6,000 annual fee for their services.
6.ShEx 2014 Board Membership:
Non- Executive Chair
Patrick O’Sullivan
Non- Executive Directors
Claudia Arney
Lord Patrick Carter (stepping down in March 2014)
Gerry Grimstone
Jeremy Pocklington
Robert Swannell
Robin Lawther
Executive Directors
Mark Russell - Chief Executive
Roger Lowe - Director for Royal Mail Unit
Ken McCallum - Director for NDA and Spectrum
Anthony Odgers - Director for Corporate Finance Practice and Portfolio Unit
Ceri Smith - Director for Business Bank and Public Data Group