Belgian-Dutch bank Fortis has recruited a head of US corporate and investment banking from UK rival Barclays to spearhead its growth in the US. Meanwhile, in London, it has hired a head of marketing and strategic planning for its UK banking division.

Eric Chilton will be US head of corporate and investment banking for Fortis. He will take over the job vacated by Waldo Abbot, who was named president and chief executive of Fortis USA several months ago. The bank searched for Abbot's replacement using headhunting firm Russell Reynolds.