New Name For Northern Bank

Danske Bank has announced a new organisational set-up for its operations in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The new structure will take effect on 1 June 2012.

The re-organisation mirrors a similar Group wide set-up being introduced in all Danske Bank operations. Northern Bank and National Irish Bank will rebrand as Danske Bank on an all Ireland basis by the end of 2012.

The Group will create a new organisation structured around three business units: Personal Banking, Business Banking and Corporates & Institutions with the overall goal of ensuring a strong customer focus across all markets and a platform for future growth.

Gerry Mallon will continue as Northern Bank Chief Executive. Under the new structure from 1 June the Personal Banking and Business Banking divisions of National Irish Bank will merge with similar business units in Northern Ireland and report to Gerry Mallon on an all Ireland basis.

Northern Bank and National Irish Bank will be rebranded under the Danske Bank brand name. The rebranding takes effect by the end of 2012 in tandem with a similar rebranding exercise in the Group’s other banking operations.

These changes are introduced to make business operations simpler, faster and more agile while also pooling Group resources under one brand name. The changes do not

Mr Mallon, added: "The organisational changes announced today reinforce Danske’s commitment to Northern Ireland and further strengthen our ability to transform and achieve our growth ambitions. Since becoming part of Danske Bank in 2005, our customers have benefited from the strength of the Group's leading edge technology and innovation. By rebranding as Danske Bank now, we will reinforce our position as an unrivalled market leader that is part of one of Europe’s strongest financial institutions. We will continue to bring all of this capability to our customers alongside our considerable local expertise and banking relationships."

(CD/GK)