To say that Chip Kruger is not well known in London is an understatement. Few UK bank analysts have met him or know much about him except that he used to co-run Greenwich Capital Markets, a successful bond-trading business in Connecticut, that was acquired by NatWest.
Kruger's low profile is partly explicable by his reticence with the press. Greenwich employees are renowned for being tight-lipped, and Kruger - who is especially protective of his privacy - has so far declined all interview requests since taking over at NatWest Markets in August.
His reputation within the firm, though, is far from that of a recluse. There, according to one insider, the new chief executive has already established a reputation for openness and accessibility.
Kruger has overall responsibility for NatWest Markets' three divisions, each of which is now headed by an American, all former colleagues or friends of his. His erstwhile co-head at Greenwich, Gary Holloway, is in charge of fixed-income bonds; Alton Irby, also from Greenwich, is head of advisory; and Tom Whelan, from Morgan Stanley, is in charge of equities.
Between them, says a colleague, they have "revolutionized the working atmosphere" with their animated open-door discussions, their enthusiasm and knowledge of investment banking, and emphasis on "partnership culture".