Scott Custer doesn't yet know what he'll do after he retires as CEO of RBC Bank, but he says that becoming numero uno at industry behemoth Bank of America isn't in the cards.
Custer, 52, who announced Thursday that he's retiring from Raleigh-based RBC Bank effective Nov. 1, went into self-deprecating mode when he was asked about the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis -- also announced this week.
"I think there would be a qualification issue there," Custer said. "I'm not quite sure I'm on the list of candidates. I think they are fishing in different waters, as opposed to where I am."
RBC Bank, the U.S. subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, has more than 430 branches. Bank of America has more than 6,100 branches, serves clients in more than 150 countries and, thanks to its acquisition of Merrill Lynch, is the world's largest brokerage firm.
David Ranii has been a business reporter at The News & Observer since 1993. Over the years he has covered information technology, banking, insurance, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, media businesses and real estate. Contact him at 919-829-4877 or