Kearney, who joined Kleinwort Benson in 2011, is a member of the bank's management committee and has led services to family offices alongside developing its digital strategies.

He takes on the new role succeeding Stephen Rothwell who is leaving to pursue other interests. Kearney will be responsible for all of the private bank’s client-facing activities from the UK.

Prior to Kleinwort Benson, Kearney held several senior positions at capital markets and asset management organisations. He also set up and ran a family office for a European technology entrepreneur.