LLoyds Banking Group has named Suresh Balaji as its new chief marketing officer, effective 16th October. Balaji joins from Standard Chartered where he worked as the bank’s marketing and comms lead.

Balaji will now be responsible for overseeing Lloyds’ group-wide brand, marketing and experience function alongside creating and maintaining the bank’s portfolio of brands, developing marketing strategies, driving creativity and driving business growth.

“To be Lloyds Banking Group’s CMO at this point in its history is truly an honour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lloyds Banking Group has helped millions of customers prosper over the course of its history, and there is no better time to be joining than now – to grow our brands, build world-class experiences and get creative for the wide range of customers the Group supports,” Balaji said.

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Having amassed considerable industry experience, Balaji spent 17 years at HSBC in a variety of roles, culminating in chief marketing officer before joining Standard Chartered in August last year.

Lloyds Banking Group CEO for consumer relationships, Jayne Opperman added:”I’m delighted to welcome Suresh to Lloyds Banking Group. As a highly accomplished marketing leader with an outstanding track record in financial services, his passion to create digital and data-led change will help us make a huge difference for our customers. I know he’ll be a great addition to our team.”