The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has recruited Ed Skilton from Barclays PLC to spearhead its insurance investment banking operations across Europe. Skilton, who most recently served as global co-head of insurance and head of the financial institutions group for the United Kingdom at Barclays, will join RBC as a managing director based in London, according to an internal memo reviewed by Bloomberg News. An RBC representative confirmed the details of the memo.
Strategic Hire to Strengthen European Presence
Skilton is expected to begin his new role in early May. His appointment underscores RBC's commitment to expanding its investment banking footprint in Europe, particularly within the insurance sector. At Barclays, Skilton was instrumental in advising on major transactions, including the pending approximately £8 billion (US$10.8 billion) sale of property and casualty insurer Beazley PLC to Zurich Insurance Group AG, as well as JAB Insurance's agreed acquisition of the U.K. life and pension business of Utmost Group.
Recent Expansion at RBC Europe
RBC has been actively bolstering its European team, having hired eight managing directors in the region over the past year. Notable additions include Rob Jurd, who leads industrials investment banking in Europe; Sean Weissenberger, appointed as head of chemicals for the region; and Sergio Herrera, who serves as head of Benelux. These moves reflect RBC's strategy to deepen its advisory capabilities and client relationships across key European markets.
Skilton's extensive experience in insurance and financial institutions will be pivotal as RBC seeks to capture a larger share of the European investment banking landscape. His track record of handling complex cross-border deals positions him well to drive growth in the insurance vertical.
