Reporting to director-general Dr Alexander Scott, the appointment signals the desire of the CII Group to extend its influence as a key thought leader on professional practice and ethical matters within the financial services sector.
Currently the head of strategy and planning, public policy and acting EU public policy director for Barclays Bank, Thomson has a wealth of public affairs experience gained from a career encompassing politics, consultancy and in-house roles.
He will be responsible for creating a policy and public affairs function for the CII Group. This function will incorporate public affairs, a research and policy unit and the existing faculties to enable the CII and Personal Finance Society (PFS) to deliver research backed policy and standards on professional and ethical issues.
Commenting on the appointment Dr Scott said: "With the FSA's move towards principle-based regulation, it is essential that the CII Group helps its members interpret the implications and provides guidance and practice standards for the profession. Today, our key focus is developing the profession at the heart of the financial services industry.
"We are investing heavily in the area of research, policy formation, industry guidance and standard setting. I am delighted to be able to appoint David Thomson, who has a highly impressive public affairs track record, to drive our strategy."
After graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in politics, Thomson began his career as a research assistant to Jim Wallace and then Lord Steel during their time as MPs. He then spent five years in consultancy as senior account executive with Westminster Strategy before joining Barclays Plc. During his 12 years with Barclays he has held positions as public affairs manager, deputy head of public affairs and head of government relations before assuming his current role where he is responsible for directing Barclays public policy activities in the EU.
Thomson will take up his appointment in May.
