Citizens Financial Group announced the appointment of Stephen T. Gannon as general counsel and chief legal officer. He joins from Capital One Financial, where he was EVP and deputy general counsel.

Gannon succeeds Sheldon Goldfarb, who is stepping down to focus on his responsibilities with RBS Americas after serving for six years as Citizens’ general counsel and chief legal officer.

Gannon has more than 30 years of experience providing legal advice and counsel to financial services institutions. Prior to his role at Capital One, he served as general counsel for Wachovia Securities’ retail brokerage group and as a securities lawyer with firms including Leclair Ryan, where he led the securities litigation practice. He also previously served as a branch chief and staff attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and has participated in financial industry organizations including SIFMA, the Financial Services Roundtable and The Clearing House Association.

“Steve is exceptionally qualified to lead our legal team as we prepare to separate from RBS and become a standalone, publicly traded company,” said Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO for Citizens Financial Group. “Steve’s extensive legal background in financial services, including his expertise in securities law and regulatory matters, makes him a very strong addition to our executive committee.”