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Maria Darby-Walker

Non-Executive Director

Maria’s strong background in finance PR and advising Board members means she brings a wealth of experience to her role at Redwood Bank. 

Her career began at leading consumer finance PR agency Lansons, where she became a partner and director and launched brands including Churchill Insurance. 

Maria was then appointed as Group PR Director for Barclays PLC before she moved on to aerospace company Rolls-Royce as Financial PR Director, responsible for external communications and investor relations. 

The experience gained in these roles led her to set up her own consultancy in 2005, attracting household names including the Financial Conduct Authority, the Investment Association, Unum, Cadbury, Rio Tinto, and Iglo/Birds Eye. With a strong focus on managing risk and reputation, Maria also advises Boards on issues including mergers and acquisitions, crisis management, financial regulation, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.  

As a qualified business coach, Maria is well placed to advise Boards on organisational purpose, culture, and leadership. Her impact was recognised when she was named as one of the ‘top 100 women to watch’ by Cranfield School of Management in 2018. 

Maria, who is a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee on two other financial services Boards, joined Redwood Bank in November 2021. 

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