National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed Simon Featherstone (pictured) as chair for a two-year term.
Featherstone has more than 30 years’ experience in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending, commercial banking and the broker channel, with previous roles at Barclays, Lloyds TSB commercial finance and as global CEO at Bibby Financial Services.
He has also worked in advisory positions at Oxbury Bank and Funding Xchange.
Featherstone said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair at such a critical moment for the intermediary sector.
“The NACFB has a very strong Board and a solid platform on which to build.
“I look forward to working collaboratively to take the Association to the next level – ensuring it continues to support brokers, champion small businesses and remain fit for the future.”
Featherstone succeeds Adrian Coles, who served as interim chair during a period of transition.
Coles said: “It has been an honour to help steward the Association over the past year. I hand this role to Simon with complete confidence.
“The power of the intermediary channel has never been greater – and its importance is only set to grow.
“I wish Simon every success as he leads the NACFB into this next chapter.”
Jim Higginbotham, CEO of NACFB, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Simon Featherstone as our new Chair.
“Simon’s wealth of experience and reputation in the finance industry speak for themselves.
“Attracting someone of Simon’s calibre is a great endorsement of the vital role we play in the commercial finance intermediary market and reinforces our position as the preeminent intermediary focussed trade body shaping the industry’s future.”
Higginbotham added: “I’d also like to thank Adrian for leading with such steadiness and integrity over the past year, and to Steve Olejnik for his support as interim vice-chair during this period of change.”
