Spotlight On: Gareth Stockton

When did you join ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance?

I joined the Lease business in April 2014, two months before the UK Branch officially opened its doors on the 2nd June - with seven years behind me I am our longest serving employee! I began my ABN career as a Relationship Director, managing a portfolio of clients across the north of England and then in June 2019, secured a promotion to Head of Sales. Most of my career has been spent in asset finance and prior to joining ABN AMRO, I worked at Bank of Scotland for 11 years and Lombard for 5 years.

Describe your role at ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance…

In my role as Head of Sales, my primary responsibilities are to lead the commercial team and support their efforts to build and develop client relationships, grow the topline and manage our portfolio. Stakeholder management is also a huge part of the role and I often find myself interfacing with colleagues in Risk, Operations, Legal, Asset Management and other parts of the organization. I currently have 10 reports across two business lines – the Regional team, who support clients within geographical territories and the Specialist Asset Finance team, who focus on receivables and more structured transactions.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I get the best of both worlds! I always wanted to move into a leadership position, to take on that additional responsibility and I very much enjoy that aspect, but this role also gives me the opportunity to stay close to the deals. I don’t interact with clients as often as I used to and the deals aren’t mine anymore, but helping to team to achieve their goals (and in turn, our wider goals) gives me a different and equally as a fulfilling sense of accomplishment.

What does a normal day of remote work look like for you?

My days are pretty much as they were before the pandemic struck and I talk to the team and internal stakeholders on a daily basis, although all of that is done via Teams at the moment. Having access to that technology has certainly helped us through and allowed us to stay connected, critical in these times, although I do miss the personal interaction. Hopefully, we can start to return to some semblance of normality in the coming weeks and months!

Do you have any tips to find a good work-life balance while working remotely?

I’m sure many would echo this - you have to take some time for yourself. I think we’ve all fallen into the habit of thinking we always need to be on and available, which isn’t the case and means “me time” often takes a back seat. Time away from the desk is crucial for wellbeing and I would encourage everyone to take those breaks and stay active!

What was your dream job as a child?

I always wanted to be a singer (cue laughter! ) but when I was 18, my mum made me get a “real job” and encouraged me to apply for a role at Capital Bank, which eventually became Bank of Scotland. I managed to somehow get that job and the rest, as they say, is history!

What makes your heart beat faster?

At the moment it’s the gym! I rejoined when they reopened on the 12th April, so I can take that much needed break I mentioned earlier and also because I realized that squeezing into my suit might be a challenge.