3 min read - 25 Sep, 2026
Lloyds appoints Graham FitzGerald as Head of Manufacturing
Lloyds has announced the appointment of Graham FitzGerald as its new Head of UK Manufacturing for SMEs and Mid-Market businesses, alongside his role as Regional Director for the Midlands and East.
Graham will lead Lloyds’ manufacturing, aerospace and defence proposition across the UK, working with businesses to support their growth ambitions and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Alongside his national manufacturing remit, Graham will support regional growth by working with businesses from wider sectors across the Midlands and East.
He brings extensive commercial banking leadership experience to the role, having spent almost two decades in senior positions across HSBC’s Commercial Banking business. During his 18-year career with the bank, Graham held a variety of leadership roles supporting businesses and building long-term client relationships. Before HSBC, Graham also worked across UK manufacturing and the UK defence sector.
Most recently, Graham was Head of Business Development at Inspirational Group, where he was responsible for its growth strategy and supporting businesses through transformational leadership change.
Graham succeeds Dave Atkinson, who previously held the role for 38 years. The appointment comes during a time of significant opportunity and change for the UK manufacturing sector, as businesses increasingly navigate investment decisions, evolve supply changes and address skills requirements.
Lloyds has appointed Graham FitzGerald as its new Head of Manufacturing, succeeding Dave Atkinson, who held the role for 38 years / Picture: Lloyds
Amanda Murphy, CEO of Business & Commercial Banking at Lloyds, said: “Manufacturing is a critical part of the UK economy, and an essential driver of growth. We have an important role to play in supporting businesses as they invest, innovate and create jobs.”
“Graham brings a wealth of commercial banking experience and a proven track record of helping businesses navigate change and identify opportunities for growth. His knowledge of the manufacturing, aerospace and defence sectors, combined with his experience of building strong relationships and leading growth strategies, will be a real asset as we continue to strengthen support for our clients.”
Graham FitzGerald, Head of UK Manufacturing for SMEs and Mid-Market businesses at Lloyds, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Lloyds at such an important time for the manufacturing sector. It is vital part of the UK economy as a key driver for investment and jobs across the country.
“There is a huge amount of ambition and innovation within UK manufacturing. Businesses are navigating a rapidly changing global environment, targeting international trade expansion, as well as investing in new technology and skills to evolve supply chains and transition to a lower-carbon economy.
“I’m looking forward to working with our manufacturing clients across the UK and ensuring we are providing the right support as they continue to grow.”
As part of its commitment to the future of UK manufacturing, Lloyds has a partnership with the MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre), committing £18.5m to the end of 2029. This has supported more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers through MTC’s training centres in Coventry, Oxfordshire and Liverpool.
The MTC’s latest training site is also set to open at Cobalt Park, Tyneside. The facility will provide advanced manufacturing capabilities and support businesses across the North East to adopt new technologies, develop skills and accelerate innovation. Lloyds’ partnership with the MTC reflects its focus on helping manufacturing businesses access the finance, expertise and wider support they need to invest and grow.
