The UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has named Samir Parkash from Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) as its new chief risk officer. His appointment follows the March retirement of David Havelock, who served in the role for over 12 years.

Parkash had most recently been managing director for corporate credit at RBS and has more than 25 years’ experience in global banking across multiple sectors. Prior to joining RBS in 2008, Parkash worked for Standard Chartered and Bank of America.

Parkash will be responsible for enterprise-wide risk management, including UKEF’s portfolio of up to £50bn.

UKEF’s chief executive officer Louis Taylor says he is “very pleased to welcome Samir, who brings a wealth of experience to the role”. He adds that Samir will “play a critical role” in the government’s export strategy, due to be published in the coming weeks. “Parkash says he is “delighted to be joining UK Export Finance at a time when the work of the department has never been more important”. “I look forward to playing my part, ensuring that UKEF continues to deliver for the UK’s export community,” he adds.