ANALYST VIEWS: IS JOHN PEACE THE RIGHT MAN TO CHAIR STANDARD CHARTERED?
NIC CLARKE CHARLES STANLEY
There had been a few leading contenders but with news that Win Bischoff is apparently set to become chairman of Lloyds, we were not surprised with the appointment of John Peace . He has done a good job as acting chairman since Mervyn Davies joined the UK government. However, we do highlight that the majority of his career has been in the retail sector and not in banking.
MANOJ LADWA ETX CAPITAL
It looks to me like something of a continuity appointment. Standard Chartered has managed to perform well compared to its rivals, largely because of its international focus. Peace looks like he will be a safe pair of hands, he’s done a good job as acting chairman and he is well respected in the City. This sort of appointment avoids rocking the boat when the company seems to be cruising nicely.
JUSTIN URQUHART-STEWART SEVEN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Now is the time for Standard Chartered to be led by someone with experience, who has nice steady hands and won’t give them any surprises. The bank is looking pretty polished at the moment and has managed to steer clear of all of the nasty Western problems. The other banks appear to have had an occidental accident, but John Peace should provide the bank with some oriental promise.