The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced that Brian Hartzer, executive committee member responsible for its UK Retail, Wealth and Ulster division, has given notice of his intention to leave RBS and return to Australia in 2012.

Hartzer will take up a senior domestic role with an Australian financial institution when released by RBS which is currently expected to be during summer 2012.

Stephen Hester, RBS CEO, said: “Brian joined RBS in 2009 and has been a valuable part of the team restructuring RBS. He will leave the UK Retail business in good health and with time to conduct an orderly succession.