Barclays Bank Ireland has hired Benette van Dyk as director of structured trade and sales finance to provide increased support to Irish companies looking to trade internationally.

Van Dyk will also provide support to companies looking to trade with Africa, an increasingly important market offering a wealth of opportunities for Irish businesses, Barclays says in a statement.

Andrew Hastings, CEO Barclays Bank Ireland says: “Africa offers a unique mix of opportunities and challenges and, as its economy strengthens, the continent will increasingly need goods and services which it cannot cater for domestically.”

He adds: “Ireland is well placed to help fulfill those needs and Benette will be able to provide clients with first-hand experience and support to companies looking to play a wider role in Africa’s future”.

Van Dyk previously headed the trade finance teams at Standard Bank and The FirstRand Group in South Africa.