Prior to joining Virgin Money, Rob was Chief Executive at Mortgage Force and has over 20 years experience in financial services. A serial entrepreneur, he has led a number of successful start-ups and has a proven track record of creating significant shareholder value, as well as having been repeatedly elected to the boards of regulatory and trade bodies.

Rob Clifford will join the firm on 6 January 20091 and will report into Jayne-Anne Gadhia who will now drive the worldwide financial services strategy forward. Virgin Money has a presence in the UK, Australia, South Africa and USA.

Virgin Money UK has seen strong growth since 2003 (CAGR 30.50%) and in his new position as UK Managing Director, Rob will be tasked with ensuring the business continues to grow quickly and profitably across credit card, protection and investments, as well as developing a new mortgage proposition for the business.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Executive Chairman of Virgin Money worldwide said: 'I am delighted that Rob Clifford has agreed to join us. He has focused on value creation throughout his career and will bring his vast experience of the UK financial services market to make a major contribution in shaping and growing the Virgin Money business in the UK.'

Rob Clifford said: 'I've spent over 20 years in financial services and been lucky enough to build several successful businesses with fantastic colleagues during that time. About 10 years ago I met Jayne-Anne Gadhia and became a fan of Virgin Money. We always believed that we'd eventually create the right opportunity to work together and now is that time.'

Rob added: 'Having made massive emotional and physical investment in building businesses which became trusted and admired, there was no way I could miss an opportunity to become a custodian of one of the most powerful brands around. Virgin is all about being passionate, challenging and innovative and I'm certainly up for the challennge.'