Simon Watson: A Visionary Banking Leader Driving Transformation at YBS
In the evolving landscape of UK financial services, few leaders stand out for their ability to combine vision, commercial acumen, and a genuine commitment to customer-centric growth. Simon Watson, the Chief Commercial Officer at Yorkshire Building Society (YBS), is one such figure. With a career spanning over two decades across banking, wealth management, digital transformation, and corporate strategy, he has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a transformational leader.
Simon Watson’s journey is defined not just by the senior positions he has held, but by the innovations he has introduced and the teams he has built. His expertise extends across retail and private banking, wealth management, digital innovation, and strategic growth. As a Certified Bank Director and Managing Director-level leader, his profile reflects both academic credibility and real-world impact in the UK financial services sector.
Simon Watson: Early Career Foundations
Building expertise in strategy and communications
Simon Watson began his professional career in advisory and development roles, including positions with The Prince’s Trust and Barnardo’s. These early years gave him a grounding in leadership, strategy, and communications, while also shaping his values as a team-oriented leader. His time as Senior Adviser at The Prince’s Trust between 2005 and 2007, followed by his role as Director of Developments at Barnardo’s, laid the foundations of his passion for supporting people, driving inclusion, and creating impact beyond balance sheets.
Simon Watson at RBS and NatWest Group
Rising through leadership at RBS
Simon Watson joined RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) in 2011, taking on a series of senior leadership positions. Over nearly a decade, he progressed from communications and brand development roles to the helm of customer-facing businesses. His positions included:
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Deputy Head of Strategic Communications and Head of Employee Communications
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Director of Business Communications
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Director of Communications & Brand Development
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Managing Director – Personal Banking, Royal Bank of Scotland & Ulster Bank NI
These roles gave Simon Watson a comprehensive view of the bank’s operations, from internal culture to external customer experience. His progression also highlighted his ability to align brand development with customer expectations while leading large-scale teams.
Transformational leadership at NatWest Group
Following his success at RBS, Simon Watson transitioned to NatWest Group, where he held influential roles between 2021 and 2025. He became:
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Head of Customer Segment – focusing on creating next-generation banking propositions.
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Managing Director – Strategy & Growth, and Chief of Staff – aligning strategic initiatives with customer-led innovation.
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Managing Director – Affluent Banking & Investing – leading premier and affluent banking services, including investment advice.
At NatWest, Simon Watson drove transformation in wealth management, digital engagement, and customer segment leadership. His commercial acumen shone through as he spearheaded strategies that elevated NatWest’s position in the competitive UK market.
Chairmanships and Non-Executive Roles
Alongside his executive responsibilities, Simon Watson has also been active in governance and non-executive positions.
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Chairman at RoosterMoney – helping shape the growth of a financial education and money management platform for young people.
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Non-Executive Director at FreeAgent – guiding one of the UK’s leading small business accounting platforms.
These experiences illustrate his commitment to innovation and his support for fintech solutions that empower customers at all life stages.
Simon Watson at Oxford University Business Economics Programme
Course Director and Committee Member
Simon Watson has been closely involved with the Oxford University Business Economics Programme (OUBEP), serving as Course Director from 2015 to 2021 and as a Committee Member from 2017 to 2020.
OUBEP is one of the oldest business education initiatives globally, and Simon Watson’s contribution underscores his standing as a thought leader in finance and economics. His involvement with OUBEP reflects his passion for continuous learning, intellectual exchange, and supporting the development of future business leaders.
Appointment at Yorkshire Building Society
Chief Commercial Officer
In May 2025, Simon Watson took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Yorkshire Building Society. In this capacity, he leads some of the society’s most important business lines, including mortgages, savings, marketing, and digital channels.
This move marks a significant chapter in his career, as he brings his extensive experience from major UK banking institutions into the mutual sector. At YBS, Simon Watson’s leadership is centred on growth, innovation, and creating value for both members and colleagues. His appointment demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to customer-centricity and commercial strength in a rapidly changing financial environment.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Innovation and transformation
Throughout his career, Simon Watson has been credited with delivering three significant market innovations in the UK banking sector. These innovations underline his ability to not only manage existing businesses but to reimagine them in ways that align with changing customer needs and market dynamics.
Team development and culture
Simon Watson consistently emphasises his dedication to building exceptional teams. His leadership style combines a strong commercial focus with a collaborative and inclusive culture, ensuring that innovation and execution go hand-in-hand.
Lifelong learning and adaptability
As a Certified Bank Director and a lifelong learner, Simon Watson demonstrates the intellectual curiosity and adaptability necessary for long-term success in financial services. His involvement in organisations such as TN2020 and his Fellowship at the RSA further highlight his commitment to professional growth and social impact.
Education and Professional Credentials
Simon Watson is a graduate of the Institute of Banking (IOB), where he achieved Certified Bank Director status in 2017. This accreditation further cements his reputation as a leader with both practical expertise and formal governance knowledge.
Organisations and Affiliations
Beyond his executive roles, Simon Watson maintains strong affiliations with professional and social impact organisations. He has been a Member of TN2020 since 2010 and a Fellow of the RSA since 2007, contributing to networks that shape innovation, policy, and social progress in the UK and beyond.
Conclusion
Simon Watson exemplifies what it means to be a forward-thinking leader in the UK financial services sector. His career journey reflects a blend of commercial expertise, strategic innovation, and genuine commitment to people – both customers and colleagues. From his early work with charities and advisory organisations, through senior roles at RBS and NatWest, to his current leadership at YBS, Simon Watson has consistently delivered impact.
As Chief Commercial Officer at Yorkshire Building Society, he stands at the forefront of shaping the future of mutual finance in the UK. His story is one of transformation, adaptability, and purposeful leadership – qualities that ensure he will continue to influence the banking sector for years to come.
