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For immediate issue: 1 October 2014

John Baines to join the Board of The Co-operative Bank as Finance Director

The Co-operative Bank today announces that John Baines joins the Board as Finance Director with effect from 1 October 2014.  John joined the Co-operative Bank in April 2013 as Chief Financial Officer and has over 25 years of experience in financial services.  Prior to joining Co-operative Bank, he was most recently Chief Financial Officer of Aldermore Bank plc, having spent the previous eight years at RBS, where he was initially Chief Financial Officer of the wealth management division, being appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the division in 2006.  John is a qualified chartered accountant and has held a number of senior roles in investment banks.

Richard Pym, Chairman of The Co-operative Bank, said: "We welcome John to the Board.  His appointment builds on the enhancements we have made at Board level.  He has already been a leading member of the team re-building the Bank and this appointment recognises his role."

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Lansons: Tony Langham - 07979 692287

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Investor enquiries:

The Co-operative Bank Investor Relations:  Nick Dibley- 07973 417 337

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