Beleaguered UK bank Northern Rock has hired the former legal head of ABN Amro, Laurie Adams, as a non-executive director as it attempts to steer itself through its current troubles.

The bank announced earlier this week (26 November) that it has named Adams on the board.

Adams, who trained at Allen & Overy (A&O), headed the investment banking and legal compliance functions at ABN for four years. He has also held senior roles at Citi – where he was European general counsel – and Lehman Brothers.

Northern Rock chairman Bryan Sanderson said: "I am delighted to welcome Laurie to the board. I believe he has the right experience to help Northern Rock through its ongoing strategic review."

Adams, alongside former A&O partner Jeremy Thomas, recently launched Outside Insight, a mentoring firm for lawyers.

Adams is also a director and major shareholder of holiday park operator Siblu Holdings.

Northern Rock is currently being advised by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and A&O in relation to a sale and funding from the Bank of England. This month it emerged that a Virgin-led consortium – also advised by A&O – has taken pole position to acquire Northern Rock.