David Willis

Following the banking crisis around the world in 2008, and specifically problems experienced by BOI, I was initially recruited as Deputy Head of the team to assist in re-establishing a corporate and investment banking presence within the UK. Working within the Consumer sector we were primarily originating new business within the Hotel, Leisure, Gambling and Retail markets. In 2018 I was promoted to lead the team. My key responsibilities are:

• Team leadership.
• Development of team members.
• Involvement in regulatory projects including formulating policy responses.
• Transaction structuring and negotiation.
• New business origination and relationship management.
• Building enduring relationships in addition to lending including treasury asset finance and operational banking solutions.

Having been approached to join Santander's newly established Large Corporate Banking team, my focus was originating new business within TMT, Leisure and Consumer product sectors. I built a portfolio generating significant contributions in both the UK and International P&L's. As the business matured my team and I joined the Investment bank in order to further expand upon the product range available to my customers. My key responsibilities were:

• Developing and establishing client/ target strategies.
• New relationship origination using new and existing contacts.
• Structuring debt and ancillary solutions.
• Proactively managing the credit process to ensure opportunities are fully understood and executed in a timely manor.
• Proactively managing credit quality to spot any early warning signs.
• Development of the teams knowledge and guidance for long term career success.

I was initially recruited as an associate withing the European team, bringing with me previous experience within the Media and Telecoms markets. In addition I was also given the Leisure sector to add my portfolio. During my time at the bank I was promoted to Associate Director and then ultimately to Director level. The London office was the European hub and the experience I gained was therefore Pan-European. Areas of responsibility within my role included:

• Credit assessment, analysis, preparation and reviews.
• Facility structuring to include negotiation on price, tenor, structure and covenants with clients ensuring these are internally supported and deliverable.
• Financial modelling, looking at historic performance and analysis of forecasts.
• Pitch preparation and delivery.
• Prospect and sector research.
• Team leader for the execution hub following a strategic split between origination and execution.

Initially joining Natwest on a Graduate training program I assumed the role of Assistant Manager in corporate banking. I progressed rapidly through increasingly complex portfolios from up to 5m then ultimately 150m turnover customers. The last 18 months were spent in the Media, Technology and Telecoms sectors as a Relationship Manager.