Morgan Stanley banker drops out of RBS finance chief race
Morgan Stanley investment banker William Chalmers has pulled out of the race to take the chief financial officer job at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Chalmers had been in the running to replace Ewen Stevenson as the bank’s CFO, but has now withdrawn from the race, it is understood.
Sky News reported Chalmers had come “very close” to accepting the role, citing insiders, but had decided not to pursue the position.
He was reportedly the leading external candidate for the role.
His decision clears the way for RBS to appoint interim finance director Katie Murray to the job on a permanent basis.
Chalmers is global financial institutions group (FIG) co-head at the Wall Street bank, having previously been Europe FIG head.
He was reportedly approached by RBS as it looked to replace Stevenson, who joined HSBC during the summer.
RBS declined to comment and Morgan Stanley was contacted for comment.