Alison Rose serves as an advisor to Charterhouse Capital Partners and Mishcon De Reya LLP. Additionally, she is a senior advisor at Charterhouse and a member of the board of trustees for BITC and Help for Heroes. Rose previously served as the CEO of NatWest Group plc. This position she earned after joining as a graduate trainee.
In a conversation with a BBC journalist, Rose referred to the bank’s relationship with Nigel Farage as a “regrettable error of judgment.” But what does this statement truly signify?
About Alison Rose
“If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you might as well make it dance.” George Bernard Shaw
In her memoir *Better Than Sane: Tales from a Dangling Girl*, former NatWest CEO Alison Rose recounts her life and career. This have been marked by both triumph and controversy. The memoir particularly reflects on her decision to close Nigel Farage’s bank account after the politician made xenophobic remarks. This made a sparking significant public debate. Rose discusses the challenges female leaders often face. She has navigated these obstacles throughout her career also.
Rose is the founder of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Council for Climate. She also advises law firm Mishcon De Reya. Moreover she previously chaired the 2019 Rose Review on Female Entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she has contributed to two government committees focused on climate change. With years of experience in financial services, Rose remains deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion.
About the Book: Better Than Sane
Better Than Sane, Alison Rose’s memoir, explores the lives of women, the pressures of beauty, and the societal demands placed on them. The book is a personal reflection on the toll of beauty standards, focusing on how these pressures can either deplete or empower women. Through her writing, Rose offers a candid look at the impact of these standards on women’s lives.
Rose’s sharp wit and keen observations make her an engaging storyteller. She is an accomplished businesswoman, having served on various government committees and boards, including the Energy Efficiency Taskforce and Net Zero Council. She also chaired the UK’s Rose Review Board for Female Entrepreneurship.
Dame Alison Rose: A Trailblazer in Business
Alison Rose, DBE, became the first woman to lead a major UK bank when she was appointed CEO of NatWest Group plc. She initiated programs like the Investing in Women Code, credited with tripling the number of women starting businesses in the UK. Rose also co-leads the Rose Review Board for female entrepreneurship. She holds directorial roles at Great Portland Estates plc and the Coutts Charitable Foundation.
In addition to her work in banking, Rose is a member of the International Business Council for the World Economic Forum and serves as Vice-Chair of Business in the Community. She resides in Atlanta with her two children and one poorly trained dog.
About the Author
In her memoir, Rose reflects on her early career at The New Yorker, where she began writing the *Talk of the Town* column in 1987. Her sharp wit and charm quickly captured the attention of the magazine’s elite, including prominent figures like Harold Brodkey and George W. S. Trow.
Rose served as CEO of NatWest Group until 2023. Prior to that, she was Deputy Chief Executive of NatWest Holdings and CEO of RBS’s commercial and private banking division. She co-leads the UK Government’s Energy Efficiency Taskforce and Net Zero Council and is a board member of Great Portland Estates plc and the Coutts Charitable Foundation. In 2023, Rose received the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Her Latest Work: Tick
Her latest novel, ‘Tick, set in a near-future Los Angeles. That tackles themes such as mental illness, art, violence, and the complex nature of female characters—topics close to Rose’s heart. She is also a founding member of Made in L.A., and her short stories have appeared in ‘The New Yorker’ and ‘Vogue’.
Her work is represented by Porochista Khakpour at Poets & Writers, Inc. In 2020, Rose’s family, friends, and colleagues established the Alison Rose Foundation to honor her legacy. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations that combat Amniotic Fluid Embolisms and reduce maternal death rates.
The Rose Review: A Catalyst for Change
Alison Rose is widely recognized as the first woman to lead one of the UK’s major banks. As the creator of the influential Rose Review on female entrepreneurship. However, she is also a leading advocate for responsible business practices and gender equality. Rose frequently shares her insights into leadership, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. She appeared on multiple episodes of James Harding’s ThinkIn podcast.
Rose attributes much of her success to the guidance of various mentors throughout her career. She explains, “If you want to do a good job, you have to learn how to do it from a range of people.”
One of her proudest achievements at NatWest was the Covid-19 call program. That reached out to a million customers to ensure they were safe and not isolated during the pandemic. She is also a vocal advocate for the Investing in Women Code. This caused a threefold increase in signatories since its inception. AA Advisors proudly supports this initiative, That helps to encourage more businesses to embrace these positive changes.
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