News / banking

Bristol headquartered bank appoints new CEO

By Milan Perera  Tuesday Jan 28, 2025

A banking group with its UK headquarters in Bristol has announced its next chief executive as it gears up to celebrate 30 years in the British banking sector.

Triodos Bank has appointed Mark Clayton as its new chief executive, following the announcement last October by Bevis Watts that he would step down after nearly 10 years at the helm.

Clayton who is currently serving as the chief operating officer at Triodos joined the banking group back in early 2024.

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On his appointment Clayton said: “I am excited for the opportunities ahead at Triodos Bank UK. We have an excellent leadership team in place working to deliver on our mission of making money work for positive change in society.

Triodos Bank with its UK headquarters in Bristol marks its 30-year anniversary this year – photo: Milan Perera

“I am driven by a strong desire to protect the world around us and create a society that values dignity for all, empowerment and strong communities – and hugely honoured to be given the opportunity to do so at Triodos.”

Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the role with over 20 years at HSBC where he served in senior roles managing large groups in the retail banking sector.

However, he found his metier when he transitioned from mainstream banking to purpose-driven, value-based organisations, such as his previous role as the chief operating officer at Unity Trust Bank, another member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).

Triodos, based on Deanery Road, employs approximately 300 people across its Bristol headquarters, as well as its offices in London and Edinburgh.

Bevis Watts (pictured) will step down as CEO of Triodos nearly 10 years at the helm – photo: Triodos

The banking group, which holds several sustainability credentials, including B-Corp certification, offers a range of personal services, such as current accounts, savings, and investment products, alongside business savings and specialised sustainable finance for organisations committed to creating positive cultural, social, or environmental impact.

In 2024, Triodos was honoured with the prestigious “Global Good Finance Player of the Year” award at the Global Good Awards for its efforts in driving positive change by financing progressive companies and organisations.

With assets nearing £2 billion, Triodos is renowned for supporting UK innovators in sustainability, helping to drive essential transformations in areas such as energy, food, resource management, wellbeing, and societal progress.

Ethical Consumer has recognised Triodos as the leading ethical bank in the UK, commending its market-leading transparency and forward-thinking investment strategies.

As the bank approaches its 30th anniversary, it has expressed full confidence in its new chief executive.

“I am driven by a strong desire to protect the world around us and create a society that values dignity for all, empowerment and strong communities,” said Mark Clayton, new chief executive at Triodos

Gary Page, chair of Tridos, said: “Mark has made a really positive impact since joining Triodos and we are confident he is the right person to lead the bank forward and deliver the impact we want to have.

“My thanks go to Bevis for his contribution over many years and for his commitment to assist in the smooth transition over the coming months. We wish him well for the future.”

Clayton’s appointment is subject to formal approval by the regulators and is expected to start in early summer.

Main photo: Triodos

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