Dutch financial firm has hired Brunon Bartkiewicz as its chief innovation officer.

He is currently ING Europe chief executive, responsible for the company’s operations in France, Italy, Spain as well as Poland, Romania and Turkey.

Bartkiewicz will be responsible for driving ING's strategic innovation agenda, developing and promoting innovative ideas and solutions, applying new technologies and delivering speed-to-market of successful ideas, the firm said.

"I am pleased to appoint Brunon Bartkiewicz as Chief Innovation Officer, reporting directly to me. Brunon is one of the architects of the ING Direct banking model and has a track record in building and transforming banks. I am convinced he will drive our strategic innovation agenda and think beyond traditional banking to serve changing customer needs," said Ralph Hamers, chief executive at ING Group.

He starts his new role at the beginning of next month.