Brian Johnston

 

Brian originates from Musselburgh and joined Bank of Scotland in 1972, spending nine years in Edinburgh branches and the Internal Audit function, followed by a one-year MBA at Strathclyde University, sponsored by the Bank.

 

Following this, Brian spent four years in London, in both the City and West End. He then headed north to Aberdeen where he spent ten years developing and heading up the Structured Finance function in the North of Scotland, with particular emphasis on buy-outs/buy-ins and acquisitions in the oil service sector, both in the North Sea and internationally.

 

In April 1999 Brian relocated to Glasgow to head up the Bank's substantial corporate business in the West of Scotland, leading a team that looked after higher-value businesses, Plcs and a number of Scotland's high-profile entrepreneurs.

 

From the beginning of 2004 Brian moved on to a new role following the merger of Bank of Scotland Corporate and Business Banking Divisions to head up the Corporate SME business for Scotland, where he championed the cause of this important sector of the business community.

 

In late 2005 Brian was given responsibility for the whole of Relationship Banking Scotland, managing a team of 600 colleagues in 45 locations. Brian also had responsibility for the Bank's Agricultural Business, Women in Business team, Emerging Business team, Community Banking and Merchant Services/Corporate Cards.

 

Brian has historically had a significant involvement with a number of Scotland's entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurial Exchange,  Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme and PSYBT. Many of these relationships are still in place today.

 

Brian has now exited the Bank to satisfy a burning desire to do something different. He has set up his own business with a focus towards helping businesses grow. In the current economic climate his experience in dealing with Banks and advising on cash flow issues is in demand. Brian has a number of Non Executive and Advisory Roles specialising in Delivering Business Growth

 

On a personal note, Brian, 55, lives on the outskirts of Glasgow with his wife and son. Outside business he plays golf, supports Aberdeen F.C. has a strong interest in point to point horse racing and takes second place to the family's growing animal population of 4 dogs and 3 horses!