Barclays hire eyes new customers

Barclays Corporate has appointed John Williams as business development manager from troubled Icelandic bank Kaupthing.

Williams will be based at Barclays Corporate's office in 3 Hardman Street, Manchester.

Michael Hartig, head of Barclays Corporate in Manchester, said: "John's appointment is a reflection of our confidence in the business opportunities within the region. We have announced a number of deals already in 2011 including Infinity, Williams Group and DRL. We aim to be the best and the largest corporate banking provider in the North West market and will be aggressively attracting new customers to Barclays Corporate during 2011."

During the downturn, most banks have been content to stick to existing client bases rather than seeking to lend to new clients.

Williams' experience includes a spell in investment banking in London and originating private equity backed deals such as management buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, structuring debt packages for new deals and relationship management of portfolios of clients.

Williams said: "Expanding our client footprint is a top priority, and is part of the bank's strategy to increase our market share."