The UK savings bank, RCI Bank, today announces the appointment of Jean-Louis Labauge as CEO. He takes over from Steve Gowler, who retires following an esteemed 25-year career with RCI Bank and Services - Renault’s global banking group - that culminated as the CEO of RCI Bank UK, a position he held since its launch in June 2015.

Based at RCI Bank's head office in Watford, Labauge takes responsibility for its 265 employees in the UK across all the RCI, Renault, Nissan, Dacia and Infiniti finance businesses, including RCI Bank. He has worked with RCI Bank and Services Group for 20 years and takes up his CEO position having previously held the role of Deputy Managing Director in the UK. He joined the UK team from India, where he launched the group’s Indian financial services business in 2013 and oversaw tremendous growth as Managing Director.

Labauge is 48 years old and married with three children. He is a graduate from HEC Business School and earned his accounting and finance degree from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers in Paris.

Steve Gowler, outgoing CEO, said: “I am delighted to hand over to Jean-Louis as CEO of RCI Bank. His extensive experience within the Group makes him perfectly placed to lead RCI Bank in the UK as it continues to deliver its vision of offering UK savers genuinely simple and rewarding savings accounts with stand-out service. Since launching in June 2015, RCI Bank has led the savings market and continues to go from strength to strength; I am excited to see where Jean-Louis will take it next, and look forward to witnessing the bank’s continued success.”

Jean-Louis Labauge commented: “RCI Bank is unique and, as a result, has proved very popular with savers in the UK. It’s an exciting time to join the business and I’m delighted to be tasked with moving our proposition forward, particularly as we develop new and innovative ways to engage with and get to know our customers to support further growth and success.”

RCI Bank account range

• Freedom easy access: 1.00% AER gross variable
• 1 year Fixed Term: 1.20 % AER gross
• 2 year Fixed Term: 1.35 % AER gross
• 3 year Fixed Term: 1.50 % AER gross

 For further information, visit the RCI Bank website at rcibank.co.uk