This week's London appointments

Phill Gleave, Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank has appointed Phill Gleave as its first director of shared services.

Phill, who has worked in the UK banking industry for over 25 years, has been promoted from within to take on the role following four years with the bank.

He joined Shawbrook in 2017 as head of outsourced services and complaints before progressing into head of ops resiliency and head of shared services as the bank’s internal structure evolved.

Phill said: “The creation of the Shared Services department is an important cog in the wider Shawbrook machine.

“It’s a provision of cross-functional services aligned to the bank’s overall strategy – such as payment services, facilities management and operational training.

“By bringing them together under one roof, it creates a true sense of purpose and direction as well as encouraging a continuous improvement culture through better management of processes which will only be a positive for Shawbrook.”

Mark Cunningham, Kpler

Data and analytics firm Kpler has announced the appointment of Mark Cunningham as chief financial officer (CFO).

Mark comes from Wood Mackenzie, where he held the role of vice president of finance.

He will be the company’s first CFO, and will be responsible for driving the financial strategy, business performance and capital structure.

With over a decade of experience in finance, he began his career in Oil and Gas Mergers & Acquisitions.

Prior to Wood Mackenzie, he was head of corporate finance, treasury and investor relations at an Oaktree Capital Management backed maritime business based in London.

Mark commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Kpler, the market leader in global commodity data & analytics.

“It has the perfect mix - the entrepreneurial journey, technology focus and exponential growth - this is what makes Kpler truly unique.

“In just seven years, with no external investment, François Cazor and Jean Maynier have bootstrapped the business to over $40 million in bookings, a truly exceptional achievement. Yet, excitingly, this is really only the start of what we aim to deliver over the coming years.”

François Cazor, co-founder and CEO, said: “Mark’s appointment as Kpler’s first CFO is another important step in building an excellent senior management team to power our next phase of growth.

“Coming from Wood Mackenzie, he brings a deep level of financial expertise, combined with a wealth of leadership skills that will benefit Kpler greatly as we continue to grow at a very fast pace.”

Matt Potashnick, Albany Group

Automated compliance specialist Albany Group has announced the appointment of Matt Potashnick as its new board member.

Former Swiftcover founder Matt Potashnick will be responsible for using his extensive experience to drive growth and support in developing innovative software solutions to solve the problems the insurance industry is facing amidst the backdrop of the pandemic.

Matt has extensive technical experience and is currently chief information officer at the a UK life insurance broker, Reassured, a role he will continue alongside this new advisory position.

Prior to this, he launched two disruptive insurance companies: Swiftcover in 2005 and Intergroup Insurance in 1996.

Matt commented: “I’m delighted to be working with an exciting, rapidly growing business such as Albany Group.

“The company has developed innovative risk and intelligence technologies, allowing exponents to improve the way they work and enhance their offering to customers, all whilst remaining compliant with regulations.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology for the insurance industry and has for many forced the hand of innovation and investment – though this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“By investing in the right technology companies can unlock new opportunities and potential. Not only will businesses improve the way they work, but crucially they will also improve the all-important customer offering and experience.”

Chris Chessell, Nextbase

Tech brand Nextbase has announced Chris Chessell as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

Having previously served for a number of years as a UK board member of personal care and grooming appliance giant The Conair Group, she brings a wealth of experience in the consumer technology and retail industries.

Chris is also a non-executive director at Fleet Business Improvement District (BID).

She commented: “Nextbase has seen fabulous growth over the last few years with recent further International expansion beyond Europe and into the USA, Canada and Australia.

“I am very much drawn to the excitement of continuing this evolution to reach new customers and markets with great products. Nextbase continues to revolutionise the Dash Cam market with each new product release and, from what I have seen so far, this is just the beginning.

“I look forward to using my international skillset to the full and to being part of a high performing team with a very bright future.”

Matt Meehan, partner and head of Europe at Sandton Capital, added: “We believe that Chris’s International and consumer retail experience brings real synergy to Nextbase.

“We have built a fantastic leadership team at Nextbase and Chris’s addition is no exception.

“I am looking forward to seeing her hit the ground running and I am sure our growth plans are in great hands.”

Faris Dean and Gideon Rix, Berkeley Rowe

Specialist commercial and corporate law firm Berkeley Rowe has announced two new appointments to its team.

Faris Dean joins the firm as a partner and will head up the corporate and commercial department.

He brings with him over 15 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, and his new role will see Faris work with small and medium-sized enterprises plus large multi-national firms from across the world.

Faris commented: “Over the past 18 months, Berkeley Rowe has gone from strength to strength, so I am delighted to be joining a respected firm with a solid reputation and equally ambitious plans for the future.

“I look forward to growing my department as well as working with colleagues from across the firm as we expand our client offering, especially in the Middle East.”

Gideon Rix joins as an associate in the corporate law firm’s dispute resolution team.

He joins with a range of experience, having previously advised clients on all aspects of commercial litigation, such as professional negligence and disputes in the construction and energy sectors.

Gideon commented: “I am delighted to have joined such a dynamic team of experienced litigators, and I can’t wait to start playing a central role as the department and wider business expands into new and exciting areas.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →