Chief Executive Officer
Mikael Sorensen was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Handelsbanken in the UK in September 2016. Before joining the UK bank, Mikael worked in numerous roles and countries across the Handelsbanken Group, including as Branch Manager and Regional Area Manager in Denmark, General Manager in Poland, and as CEO in the Netherlands from 2007 to 2016. Mikael enjoys reading, music and modern art as well as finding time to explore the UK countryside.
Chief Financial Officer
Martin has held his current position as Chief Financial Officer for Handelsbanken UK since April 2017. He joined Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) in 1989 when he started working in the Bank’s branch operations as an account manager, before moving to IT and business development operations where he led improvement and efficiency programmes for the Bank’s retail processes. Between 2002 and 2017, Martin held senior management positions in one of the Swedish regions and was Head of HR for our Swedish regional banks unit in Stockholm. Martin sits on the Board of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, a not for profit organisation aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and businesses within the Swedish-British business community. Martin can occasionally be spotted on a tennis court, but is more often seen on a football stand!
Chief Branch Officer
In 2021, Chris was appointed as Chief Branch Officer. Chris has worked at Handelsbanken since 2006, and has undertaken a number of roles within the Bank including that of Branch Manager, Area Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and Regional Head. Before moving to the banking sector, Chris actually started his working life in football. After that, he moved into industry and spent five years as Operations Director for an AIM-listed public company specialising in direct sales. Chris is married with three children, and whilst his children certainly keep him busy, he likes to keep fit and pursue his hobby of running.
Chief Administration Officer
Joe was appointed Chief Administration Officer in December 2023, having worked in the Bank since 2010 and has undertaken a number of roles including Branch Manager opening Altrincham and then Branch Manager of Manchester Spinningfields, regional Head of Human Resources and District Head. He has over 35 years of banking experience across a wide range of senior roles within the sector. Joe holds a Master of Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School and when not in work he enjoys walking and watching sports, especially football.
Chief Digital and Business Transformation Officer
Rob was appointed Chief Digital Officer in January 2024, having spent seven years with Handelsbanken helping to evolve the Bank's digital product proposition and approach. Before joining the Bank, Rob undertook a variety of roles in financial services, building strong experience in Commercial Banking, Channel Distribution and Digital Product. Outside of work, Rob enjoys a busy family life with three young children and likes to spend time outdoors hiking, paddleboarding and marathon running.
Chief Communications Officer
Pernille Sahl Taylor joined Handelsbanken as Chief Communications Officer in February 2017. Prior to Handelsbanken, she worked as a PR consultant leading a broadcast and content production team and working with a broad range of financial services companies. Her experience spans launching entrepreneurial businesses to managing the reputation of well established brands. She has extensive experience coaching senior executives on corporate positioning and how to deliver their corporate messages effectively to internal and external stakeholders. When not in work, Pernille enjoys travelling or cooking for friends and family.
Jon was appointed as Chief Strategy Officer in September 2024 and is responsible for leading the UKs strategic development and business planning process. Jon joined Handelsbanken in 2014 and has worked in various roles including Head of Financial Strategy and Change, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Branch Manager and Corporate Manager. Prior to joining the Bank, Jon worked for other financial institutions in leveraged finance, private equity and corporate banking. Jon is a Chartered Financial Analyst, has a 1st class degree in Accounting and Finance from Warwick Business School and has completed the CERTBalm exams. In his spare time Jon enjoys spending time in the countryside and with his family.
Chief Product and Sustainability Officer
Angela joined Handelsbanken in 2007, opening Handelsbanken Halifax in 2010. In 2015, Angela became Head of Human Resources before moving into senior leadership roles and latterly working with key regulatory change. She has worked in the banking sector for over 25 years, with experience in corporate, credit and risk management sectors. She has now been appointed as Chief Product and Sustainability Officer and is responsible for leading the UK product portfolio and sustainability function. In 2021 Angela successfully completed a Masters in Business and Administration and when not in work, she enjoys time with her family, walking with her dogs or riding her horses in the Yorkshire countryside.
Chief Risk Officer
Will joined the Bank as Chief Risk Officer in October 2024 and is responsible for leading the Risk Management Team and helping to define and oversee the risk strategies for the Bank. Will has worked in the banking industry since 2000 and has undertaken senior risk roles at NatWest, HSBC and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Will enjoys spending time with his family and going for long walks by the sea. He is passionate about Asian food (especially Malaysian), music, cinema and football.
Chief Credit Officer
Simon began his banking career back in 1982. In 2011 he joined Handelsbanken as a Corporate Account Manager in his home town of Leicester, progressing to Branch Manager a year later. Subsequently Simon became regional Head of Credit before taking up the role of Chief Credit Officer at the beginning of 2018. After playing rugby union for many years, Simon continues to enjoy the sport, now as a keen spectator.
Chief Information Officer
Anthony was appointed Chief Information Officer of Handelsbanken plc in August 2021, joining us from HSBC, where he oversaw digital retail banking technology and products across 37 international markets. Prior to this, Anthony was responsible for one of the largest and most ambitious digital transformations in Government, overseeing the UK Digital Welfare State, where he was also a digital adviser to Government ministers, departments and Secretary of State. Prior to working in the public and private sectors, Anthony spent several years in telecommunications where he led a number of large-scale, digitally-focused enterprise technology functions. Anthony has a PhD in software engineering. He brings an excellent mix of digital and broader technology transformation experience to Handelsbanken.
Chief Compliance Officer
Jaimita was appointed as Chief Compliance Officer in May 2022 and is responsible for leading the UK Compliance function at Handelsbanken plc. Jaimita has worked in the compliance sector since 2003, focussing on both UK and international regulation. Jaimita started her compliance career as a regulatory consultant before moving on to lead compliance functions for a number of global financial institutions. Jaimita holds a First Class Hons in International Securities, Investments and Banking from the ICMA Centre. In her spare time Jaimita can be found up a mountain or in a lake – basically anywhere outdoors.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Bernie is responsible for Handelsbanken’s Human Resources function in the UK including business partnering, talent management and development, succession planning and reward. Prior to his current role, Bernie was Head of Human Resources and Risk for Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, which Handelsbanken acquired in 2013. Bernie was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from the University of Limerick, Ireland and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD).
Chief Executive Officer of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management
Matt was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management Ltd in October 2024, after previously joining Handelsbanken in the UK as Chief Risk Officer in May 2020. Matt has a wide breadth of experience, having worked across a variety of customer facing, specialist and leadership roles in commercial and retail banking in the UK. Matt enjoys running and going to the gym, and exploring the performing arts and restaurants in the city.
