RBC Wealth Management Appointed New Commercial Chief
The firm has tapped a 30-year veteran to lead commercial strategy as it targets 70 new hires by 2027.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you believe large-scale corporate expansion plans are a reliable indicator of future economic stability?
RBC Wealth Management has named William Hepburne-Scott as chief commercial officer, signaling a leadership shift as long-serving executive Lucie Gordon prepares to depart in December 2026. The move aligns with the firm's ongoing strategic hiring initiative focused on expansion across the UK, Jersey, and the Republic of Ireland.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a consolidation of commercial operations under an internal veteran to support the firm's growth trajectory. By aligning client propositions with regulatory requirements across its 30-office network, the firm aims to scale headcount by more than 70 professionals to boost its market position.
The firm is targeting the addition of over 70 experienced professionals by the end of 2027 to staff its 30 existing offices. William Hepburne-Scott assumes the role after a 30-year tenure at the firm, while outgoing executive Lucie Gordon leaves following 12 years of service.
The players
William Hepburne-Scott
A 30-year veteran of the firm who previously served as managing director and head of the Southern Region.
Lucie Gordon
A long-serving executive who joined the firm in 2014 and will step down from her role in December 2026.
RBC Wealth Management
A global wealth manager operating over 30 offices that provides investment management and advisory services.
The details
As chief commercial officer, Hepburne-Scott will oversee the integration of client propositions with regulatory mandates and broader firm objectives. The transition includes the promotion of Rod Walley, Robin Mellows, and Kevin Jennings to regional managing director roles, who will coordinate with local leads to manage the expanded business network. This structure is designed to provide operational oversight as the company executes a strategic hiring program launched earlier this financial year.
Timeline
1996: William Hepburne-Scott began his career at the firm.
2014: Lucie Gordon joined RBC Brewin Dolphin.
2023: Hepburne-Scott and Gordon transitioned into their previous regional roles.
December 2026: Lucie Gordon will officially leave the firm.
End of 2027: The firm aims to reach its goal of hiring 70-plus professionals.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the organizational structure changes initiated after the 2023 integration of RBC Brewin Dolphin. The move signals a transition from merger-focused consolidation to a growth phase aimed at expanding regional market share.
Operators in the wealth management sector should monitor this hiring initiative as a signal of expected competitive pressure in the UK, Jersey, and Irish markets. Firms should assess whether their own client proposition and regional management structures are prepared for increased headcount among established competitors.
The takeaway
Large-scale hiring programs often require structural leadership changes to remain effective during the scaling process. Owners should track this transition as a benchmark for how established firms reorganize their internal management layers to support growth objectives.
Further reading
For more on industry staffing and leadership shifts, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Private Banker International.
Live Poll
Do you believe large-scale corporate expansion plans are a reliable indicator of future economic stability?
