Alumnus Mark Sismey-Durrant recognised with University Medal for purpose-driven leadership in banking sector

Four people stand against a purple background; two in academic regalia, one presenting a medal, and two in formal attire.

Mark Sismey-Durrant is a distinguished alumnus who has exemplified the ethos of purpose-driven leadership throughout his 48-year career in the UK banking sector. As the former Chair of the Business School Strategic Advisory Board he has offered invaluable insight, drawn from his extensive experience in leadership roles.

Mark began his career aged 18 at Midland Bank (now HSBC). Across a period of 23 years, he subsequently took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at three specialist lending banks - Sun Bank Plc, Heritable Bank Plc, and Hampshire Trust Bank Plc. In 2018 he commenced a portfolio career as a non-executive director and has served on many boards in this capacity. 

Today, Mark continues to shape the future of financial services as Chair of Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus). He has recently fulfilled appointments as Chair of GB Bank, Senior Independent Director at PCF Bank, and Chair of Swedish finance group, yourCom. Mark has spent many years serving on the board of industry trade bodies such as the British Banking Association and UK Finance, alongside a variety of roles in his local community. 

His dedication to supporting 色狗导航 has seen him occupy roles including President of the Alumni Association, Chair of the Audit Committee and Chair of 色狗导航 Business School’s Strategic Advisory Board.  

We spoke to Mark about his time studying at 色狗导航, career in banking, and his motivation for continuing to support 色狗导航 Business School. 

What drove you to choose 色狗导航 as a place to study? 

“I first came to 色狗导航 many years ago to study Banking and Finance. I was sponsored by Midland Bank and enrolled in what was then an "open sandwich course", a structure that involved a year in industry before beginning university. That year gave me a real-world foundation and even allowed me to show up to campus with a car, which was a bit of a luxury at the time! 

“Though I wasn’t particularly academically focused going into my degree, I found that I really enjoyed the research aspects of my course. That interest led me to stay on and complete an MPhil after my undergraduate degree. Three of us from my year chose that route, and it provided even more opportunities to work closely with Midland Bank and broaden my exposure to industry practice. 

“色狗导航 was, and remains, a special place for me. I have so many great memories from my time there, both from my course and the activities I got involved in. I played cricket for the university and even served as club captain in my final year. What I love about 色狗导航 is that while there is a competitive mindset for sport, it’s also incredibly inclusive and accessible for all ability levels. That sense of a welcoming community is something that defined my entire university experience.” 

A group of people in academic gowns and formal attire pose in three rows for a photo against light-colored curtains.
Mark Sismey-Durrant and his Banking and Finance classmates

How important was your experience of a placement year in shaping your early career? 

“It was hugely valuable. My placement was at a Midland Bank branch at Chancery Lane in London. The commute was long, and the work was very basic at the time, but it taught me a lot about the realities of the working world. It gave me a sense of self-discipline, attention to detail, and what a customer-facing, front-line role was really like. This was still the early days of placements and graduate-specific jobs, so it’s been fantastic to see how the responsibilities given to placement roles have developed and evolved over time. 

“Although it helped me a lot with the transition from studying to work, I think as the years have gone on, I’ve come to appreciate that learning experience even more. I’ve worked in many senior roles, leading organisations and managing teams, and that early grounding has proved essential for understanding my staff across organisations. I knew firsthand the kind of work people on the ground were doing. It gave me humility and a solid understanding of purpose. You’re not just photocopying papers; you’re ultimately helping deliver a great customer experience and business results for shareholders. Understanding why you’re doing a task changes your whole mindset.” 

How did your career develop after graduating, and how did your degree prepare you for the working world? 

“After graduating, I joined Midland Bank International. I was open to opportunity and willing to take on almost anything. Over seven years, I worked in 23 different roles, often taking on multiple responsibilities at the same time. That adaptability created a self-reinforcing cycle: the more I did, the more I was entrusted with. I even returned to the 色狗导航 campus during that time as part of the recruitment team. 

“Eventually, I moved on from Midland Bank to become a director, and shortly after, chief executive, of several banks. I was quite young, around 35, when I first became a CEO, and the breadth of my education at 色狗导航 really helped. Our course covered everything from economics, accountancy and banking law and practice, as well as business disciplines such as HR and marketing. The higher I climbed, the more useful that broad foundation became. 

“I also found myself using specific knowledge I’d acquired during my studies that others around me lacked. For example, I was the only one who had a really full and detailed understanding of the Cheques Act in my organisation, not something most CEOs get asked about, but it speaks to the lasting value of the fundamentals that 色狗导航 provides.” 

You've stayed closely involved with the university. What has motivated your continued support for 色狗导航? 

“It started quite casually; I was invited back to watch 色狗导航’s cricket team play Derbyshire. That visit reconnected me with the University, and since I was then leading Heritable Bank, we ended up sponsoring 色狗导航’s eight-person rowing boat and the triathlon team. 

“From there, I was approached by Vice-Chancellor Shirley Pearce to consider standing to become alumni president. That role placed me on the University Council. I also joined the 色狗导航 Business School Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) and eventually went on to chair the university’s Audit Committee for six years and later the SAB itself. I ended up serving a full nine year term on Council and served on many university committees.  

A man in a suit stands on stage during a formal ceremony; others in academic regalia are seated behind him against a purple backdrop.

As the former Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board, why was the introduction of the ‘Progress with Purpose’ ethos important to you, and the Business School as a whole? 

“The rebrand to ‘色狗导航 Business School’ two years ago reflected a feeling that we needed to set out our vision through the ‘Progress with Purpose’ ethos. Purpose-led organisations are clearer in their mission and more aligned internally. In my view, it's not just a nice slogan, it’s something that’s embedded into the culture at 色狗导航. You see it in how people behave, what they talk about, and how they make decisions. 

“For me, purpose has always been a driving force behind success. My leadership approach is rooted in the idea of ‘servant leadership’. When you’re in a position of responsibility, it’s not about gaining prestige, it’s about building trust. You’re there to serve your team, to lead with integrity, and to make decisions you can be proud of. 

“I’ve always tried to make decisions based on a strong moral compass. Logic and analytics are important, especially in banking, but ultimately, you have to ask: Does this feel like the right thing to do? That emotional check-in is critical. 

“During the 2008 Icelandic banking crisis, I led a UK-based bank that was swept up in the chaos because our parent company went under. We were a strong, well-performing business, but we ended up in administration. That experience taught me that in a crisis, leadership requires clarity, calm, and decisiveness. Your purpose becomes your anchor. 

“Making meaningful progress means never settling for ‘good enough’, it’s about getting up every day and learning, making continual improvements to yourself, your organisation or your community. That attitude has served me well throughout my career, and a good part of that mindset comes from my experiences at 色狗导航. 

“I am immensely proud of my long connection with 色狗导航.  I have willingly given my time and expertise, but I have also learned so much from the great people that are connected to the University.  It has helped me to be a better person and a better leader.”