This week's London appointments

Stephen Dukes, Confused.com

Comparison platform Confused.com has appointed Stephen Dukes as COO.

In this newly created role, Stephen will lead the business’s product strategy, as well as play a role in its mission of bringing clarity to consumers.

In addition, he will oversee Confused.com’s strategic partnerships, which includes brands such as uSwitch and Money.co.uk, as well as being responsible for the company’s data insights.

Stephen joins the firm from Commuter Club where he was interim CEO. Prior to that he has also held senior roles at Dollar Financial and Wonga where he was responsible for company growth and product strategy.

Stephen explained: “For almost two decades Confused.com has been successfully helping customers navigate the complicated process of buying car insurance and other financial products. We want to build on this success.

“By using the latest technology we aim to give customers an even clearer and more seamless experience that empowers them make the best buying decisions possible.”

Louise O’Shea, CEO of Confused.com commented: “Stephen will be leading the team at Confused.com to make our vision of bringing greater clarity to customers a reality. Welcome aboard.”

Martin Fest, Ebury

International fintech Ebury has appointed Martin Fest as its chief financial officer.

In his new role Martin will work directly with CEO and co-founder Juan Lobato as the company embarks on its growth strategy outside of Europe.

Martin, who holds an MBA from INSEAD, joins Ebury from fellow fintech Molo, where he was also CFO.

Prior to Molo, Martin led investment management strategy at Man Group and spent seven years at Barclays as an investment banker. Before banking, Martin worked in McKinsey’s risk management and financial services practice.

Juan Lobato, Ebury’s Co-founder and CEO, commented: “I am delighted that Martin is joining the team at Ebury as he brings valuable experience and expertise in the banking and broader finance sector.

“Martin joins Ebury at a significant period of growth for the business – we continue to open new offices and are hiring around 50 new employees every month.”

Nigel Robbins and Abby Challen, LendInvest

Property finance firm LendInvest has announced two new appointments.

Nigel Robbins and Abby Challen have both joined the firm as business development managers.

Nigel has 23 years’ experience in financial services, and will be responsible for sourcing deals across the South West of England.

Joining the firm from specialist mortgage lender Magellan, Nigel most recently held the role of regional sales manager. Prior to that, he was regional sales manager for Precise, business development manager for Kensington Mortgages and head of sales for Mortgages PLC.

In her new role Abby will cover central and Greater London, and joins the team from Enterprise Finance, where she worked as a senior business development.

Abby brings a range of experience having previously operated nationally as both a broker and packager.

Ian Boden, sales director at LendInvest, commented: “Field-based business development managers are a huge support to our lean in-house sales desk.

“Their deep local networks ensure our technology driven processes and best practice customer service get right in front of borrowers and brokers throughout the country.

“We are delighted to announce these key hires who bring a broad range of experience to the team.”

Ben Southworth, DWF

Global legal business DWF has appointed Ben Southworth as transformation director of managed services.

Ben joins from the Co-op Group, where he held several senior roles including chief of staff to the group CEO, head of risk and head of franchising.

Prior to that, Ben spent 14 years as a management consultant working with a range of clients in the UK and overseas, including multinational corporations, international banks and national government entities.

At DWF, Ben will work alongside the newly appointed CEO of managed services, Mark St John Qualter to further develop DWF’s managed services proposition.

Mark St John Qualter said: “We are delighted that Ben will be joining the managed services senior team. He brings extensive experience in business change in many contexts.

“His understanding of working across various industries aligns well with our business, which offers legal and non-legal services spanning a wide variety of sectors.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ben added: “There is a huge potential for Managed Services to deliver greater value for clients in the legal market, and at DWF I see a business that is ready to drive change for better outcomes for its clients.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Mark to help the business successfully realise its strategy.”

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