Clydesdale Bank Forges New Link

Clydesdale Bank has appointed a new Chairman for Kent and in doing so has forged links with one of the region’s most respected business professionals.

David Forge, 50, formerly Kent Senior Partner and Head of Audit for KPMG in Gatwick, started his new role at the start of the year when he took over as Chairman from Simon Hume-Kendall who was appointed in August 2005.

David has a wealth of experience gained over more than 30 years in advising fast growing entrepreneurial companies and large corporates in the South East and overseas.  In 1995, after three years with KPMG in Kuala Lumpur, he joined its Maidstone office with particular responsibility for the firm’s Owner Managed Business practice.  Three years later David was appointed Senior Partner for KPMG in Kent, a role he has successfully fulfilled for the past 9 years. 

Adrian Wenn, Clydesdale Bank’s Regional Director (Southern), said: “There can’t be many people in the business community who do not know David either personally or by reputation. His years of experience advising businesses of all sizes on the most effective route to success means that he is ideally placed to join our team of business bankers.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Simon Hume-Kendall who has worked tirelessly and been an important factor in the success of our offices across Kent, Sussex and in the capital where he knows many business leaders.”

In his new capacity as Chairman, David will work closely with Paul Saunders and Chris Winning, the Managing Partners at Clydesdale Bank’s Financial Services Centres in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, respectively and their teams.

Commenting on his appointment, David Forge said: “Over the past three years Clydesdale Bank has radically changed the banking environment through its approach to working with companies which are ambitious for growth.  I have always been a fan of the bank’s recognition of experience and expertise and am delighted to accept my new role.”

After nearly two and a half years Simon Hume-Kendall hands over the Chairman’s role but he will be retained as an ‘Ambassador’ for Clydesdale Bank.

David lives in Mereworth, Kent and is married to Sue with 2 children.  He enjoys golf, tennis and travel.