Leading through Crisis: How Dame Alison Rose Steered NatWest through Brexit, COVID-19, and the Ukraine Conflict
During her tenure as CEO of NatWest Group, Dame Alison Rose faced an extraordinary series of challenges that demanded resilience, agility, and an unwavering commitment to her organization’s mission. Under her leadership from November 2019 to July 2023, NatWest navigated the complexities of Brexit, the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, and the economic uncertainty following the Ukraine conflict. Dame Alison Rose’s ability to lead through these crises reflects her deep understanding of banking, adaptability to evolving global dynamics, and a dedication to supporting NatWest’s clients, employees, and the broader community through turbulent times.
In an article entitled “Alison Rose Talks All Things Women in Banking and Being a Relatable Leader on the In the Arena Podcast” Rose shared leadership stories that others can apply in their businesses and lives. As NatWest Group’s first female CEO, Alison has played a key role in managing the company’s 61,000 employees and 19 million customers.
Brexit presented NatWest with significant operational and strategic challenges as the UK prepared to separate from the European Union. For Rose, it was essential to assess potential impacts on cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and NatWest’s customer base. Recognizing the importance of stability, she led the bank through extensive preparations, ensuring that contingency plans were in place to manage currency volatility, shifting trade relationships, and evolving regulatory requirements. By staying ahead of potential disruptions, Rose maintained NatWest’s resilience, emphasizing clear communication to clients and investors and underscoring the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses as they adjusted to post-Brexit realities.
As Brexit preparations unfolded, Rose was soon confronted with another crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic. With its unprecedented health and economic challenges, the pandemic required NatWest to act swiftly in supporting individuals and businesses facing financial uncertainty. Dame Alision Rose focused on providing immediate relief to clients, implementing loan deferrals, and offering government-backed lending to help keep small and medium-sized enterprises afloat. Her approach emphasized compassionate, responsive banking, with NatWest employees working closely with clients to understand their specific needs. Rose’s crisis leadership during COVID-19 demonstrated her belief in banking as a community-oriented service, as she mobilized resources to help clients weather the pandemic’s economic fallout.
Internally, Rose prioritized the well-being of NatWest’s employees, recognizing that a strong, supported workforce was crucial for effectively serving clients during a challenging period. Under her leadership, NatWest implemented remote work solutions, enhanced mental health resources, and emphasized workplace flexibility to maintain productivity and morale. Rose’s people-centered approach ensured that employees could continue serving clients effectively, even as they faced their own pandemic-related challenges. This emphasis on internal support reinforced NatWest’s resilience, enabling the bank to stay agile and responsive throughout the pandemic.
In early 2022, NatWest Group faced yet another global challenge as the Ukraine conflict disrupted international markets and contributed to rising energy prices. Rose’s leadership focused on safeguarding NatWest’s operations and managing potential financial impacts while providing clients with resources to navigate the resulting economic pressures. Her approach included assessing risk exposure related to the conflict, particularly regarding trade finance and currency fluctuations, while staying committed to NatWest’s values by ensuring compliance with sanctions and supporting clients with ties to affected regions. By balancing strategic caution with client-centric service, Rose helped NatWest adapt to the crisis while remaining financially resilient.
Dame Alison Rose’s leadership through these crises exemplified a blend of strategic foresight, adaptability, and empathy. Her approach was not only to mitigate risk but also to strengthen NatWest’s role as a trusted partner for clients and communities. By leading NatWest through Brexit, COVID-19, and the Ukraine conflict, Rose demonstrated how principled, steady leadership can help an organization navigate even the most unpredictable challenges. Her tenure serves as a powerful example of how banks can support clients, uphold community values, and remain resilient in an era defined by global volatility. Visit this page on LinkedIn, for more information.
Learn more about Dame Alison Rose on https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/09/17/dame-alison-rose-accepts-job-at-city-law-firm-that-helped/
During her tenure as CEO of NatWest Group, Dame Alison Rose faced an extraordinary series of challenges that demanded resilience, agility, and an unwavering commitment to her organization’s mission. Under her leadership from November 2019 to July 2023, NatWest navigated the complexities of Brexit, the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, and the economic uncertainty following the…