Barclays appoints new director of external communications

Barclays UK has promoted Louise Pancott to director of external communications.

She will oversee all external comms and media relations for the bank’s wealth and investments, personal banking and mortgage divisions. She joins Simon Hailes, the existing director of comms activity for business banking and reputation management.

Pancott has held a number of senior media relations roles during her seven years at Barclays. Prior to working for the bank, she spent over five years leading media relations for Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management.

James Lundie, head of corporate communications at Barclays UK, said: “Barclays UK is entering an exciting chapter as we prepare to establish our ring-fenced bank next spring. Louise’s appointment, working alongside Simon Hailes, will accelerate our focus on delivering PR activity that highlights the role Barclays plays in society as well as continuing to build trust in the Barclays brand.”

Pancott added: “At a time of disruption and increased competition in the UK banking sector, leading this fantastic team to find new and creative ways for Barclays to engage UK consumer audiences is a really exciting challenge.”