The appointment, subject to regulatory approval, will see Ms Cates replaces Rory Tapner, chair of Quintet Private Bank, who was interim chair of Brown Shipley.

Ms Cates has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services and has held senior roles based in the UK and overseas. 

She has served on the boards of several financial services companies including Brewin Dolphin. She also sits on boards within the Columbia Threadneedle Group; TP ICAP; United Utilities Group and until recently, RSA. 

During her career she spent more than 20 years at UBS, where she held roles as global head of compliance and general counsel and was appointed to the UBS global investment bank board. She went on to be appointed global COO of the wholesale bank at Standard Chartered.

At Brown Shipley, part of Quintet Private Bank, she will work alongside and advise the executive directors on strategic growth and continued alignment with parent company Quintet Private Bank. 

Rory Tapner, chair of Quintet Private Bank said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kath as chair of Brown Shipley and to the wider Quintet family. I have every confidence that, in partnership with her fellow board members and the Brown Shipley executive committee, Kath will make an important contribution to Brown Shipley’s ongoing growth and sustained success”

Alan Mathewson, CEO at Brown Shipley, said: “Kath has exceptional experience, particularly within banking and wealth management. Her understanding of the market and opportunities, alongside her combined expertise in risk management, governance and business transformation will be a major asset to Brown Shipley. I look forward to working closely with Kath as we continue to develop our wider propositions and bring the whole of Quintet to our clients.”

Ms Cates said: “I look forward to working with Alan and the executive team at an exciting time for Brown Shipley and Quintet, as the business continues its transformation through strategic growth opportunities with client interests at the heart.”