Movers and shapers: New appointments, July 2025

Roma Pearson Joins Square 4 Partners as Senior Advisory Director 

Roma has over 25 years in financial services including twelve years in senior leadership positions. She’s been at the forefront of regulatory change for the benefit of consumers particularly across consumer lending and general insurance markets. Roma joined the FCA’s predecessor as an Investment Firms Supervisor. She has held various management and leadership positions including the Head of Mortgages & Consumer Lending, Head of General Insurance, Head of Risk Advisory and most recently Director of Consumer Finance with responsibility for the market supervision strategy and policy development. 
 

Speaking to Credit Strategy, she shared her motivations behind the move and her ambitions for the new role:  
 

“I really valued my time at the FCA – the purpose, challenge and privilege of public service and working with great people. But I’ve always reflected at times of change, and this time decided it was the right moment for a move outside the regulator,” Pearson explained. “Professional services firms like Square 4 have such an important role to play in helping firms translate regulatory complexity into meaningful action for customers.”. 

Why Square 4? “They’re a relatively young business, ambitious, already award-winning, and culturally aligned with how I work. They’re building on thought leadership, embracing technology, and have real strength in expertise-led, quality delivery. I felt it was the right place to apply my experience at a pivotal time of change for the industry.”  

As part of Square 4’s leadership team, Roma is helping shape the firm’s regulatory strategy and oversight of client engagements, with a particular focus on executive and board-level responsibilities. “With over 25 years of experience in the industry, I aim to bring strategic and cross market insights to both Square 4 and our clients, especially as regulation continues to evolve. My goal is to support executives and boards in confidently delivering good outcomes through times of change.”  

Looking ahead, Roma wants to continue to influence outcomes that support a well-functioning credit and lending market. She sees her biggest influence in strategically supporting clients on inclusive and sustainable lending performance and their continuous improvement on consumer duty outcomes. “To have a thriving market, delivering on the higher standards of the Duty and meeting the current and future needs of customers, need to be part of firm culture and driven by senior decision makers. Helping firms get this right is exciting as it all works towards helping raise trust in the market.” 

Roma also shared her advice for the next generation of professionals in the market “You can’t go far wrong if you pursue your passion in your career as enjoying what you do really matters. Embrace data and technology as it is the future. Don’t wait to be asked to make things happen as you are the change!”. 

Fiona Hoyle Appointed Chair of the Money Advice Liaison Group 

Fiona Hoyle, FLA/MALG

Fiona Hoyle, Director of Consumer and Mortgage Finance & Inclusion at the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), has been appointed Chair of the Money Advice Liaison Group (MALG). A board member for four years, she now takes the reins from Paul Smee, who steps down after five years in the role.

“It is my absolute pleasure to take on the role as Chair of MALG,” said Hoyle. “I’ve seen the organisation do a fantastic job building its profile and impact, its aim of ‘working together to improve the lives of people in debt’ has never been more relevant.”. 

Hoyle’s appointment comes at a time when consumer vulnerability and cross-sector collaboration are key priorities. Her extensive background in responsible lending and inclusion makes her well-positioned to steer MALG into its next chapter. 

Oodle Car Finance Announces Dual Leadership Appointments 

As part of a strategic leadership shift, Oodle Car Finance has announced the appointments of Ciara Raison as Chief Product & Technology Officer and Jess Bates as Chief Commercial Officer. 

Both leaders are already familiar faces at Oodle. Jess Bates, a former Credit Strategy Award winner, has previously served as Chief of Staff, COO, and most recently as Chief Product and Technology Officer. With prior experience at Accenture, she brings strong expertise on large-scale digital and change initiatives. 

“We have a huge opportunity to build on our momentum and deliver even more value for our partners and customers while staying focused on what sets Oodle apart.” said Bates.  

Ciara brings extensive experience across the automotive trade and technology-led financial services and has held senior roles at Close Brothers Motor Finance, NatWest, and Secure Trust Bank. 

“With a strong foundation already in place, I’m excited to bring my commercial experience and understanding of what our partners value to help shape and enhance our technology roadmap.” said Raison. 

CEO Richard Gaskin notes the appointments are a natural next step: “At Oodle, we’re committed to growing our people at every level of the business - and Jess and Ciara’s progression is a great example of that. We’re confident they’ll strengthen the positioning of the business for long-term success.”. 

Skipton Business Finance Welcomes Back Dan Grainger as Regional Sales Director 

Dan Grainger, Jim Furey, Skipton Business Finance

Dan Grainger has rejoined Skipton Business Finance (SBF) as Regional Sales Director for the North West. 

With experience at Lloyds Banking Group and Praetura Invoice Finance, Grainger will focus on developing opportunities for Skipton to deliver tailored working capital solutions to businesses across the region. By working closely with a trusted network of introducers and brokers, as well as the firm’s experienced relationship management and risk teams, Dan will help to ensure that Skipton continues to deliver an exceptional service to prospects and clients alike. 

“Skipton Business Finance has always had a strong reputation in the market, and that combined with the exciting short to medium term plans to further enhance its already robust product suite, made coming back an easy decision.” said Grainger. 

SBF Sales Director Jim Furey welcomed the appointment: “It’s great to have someone of Dan’s experience back at Skipton. His deep understanding of the SME landscape and impressive business development experience make him an invaluable asset.” 

Fluro Strengthens Its Board with High-Profile Appointments 

Consumer lender and fintech Fluro has added serious firepower to its leadership team with the appointment of David Kenmir (former FSA Board Member and PwC Partner) as Chair, and Brian Brodie (former CEO at Freedom Finance, HML, and Bevan Money) as Non-Executive Director. 

These appointments form part of a broader refresh under new CEO Andrew Lawson (ex-Zopa), with other senior hires from RateSetter, Lloyds, and Co-op Bank already in place. 

Between them, Kenmir and Brodie bring decades of regulatory, operational, and board-level experience. 

“David and Brian bring a wealth of expertise and we are delighted that they are joining Fluro’s Board to support and shape our strategic direction. Working alongside our new leadership team and exceptional talent right across the company, they bring the right skills to support the next stage of Fluro’s development and growth.” said Lawson. 

GB Bank Expands Lending Team with Senior Hires and Internship Programme 

Mike Says, GB Bank

GB Bank has reinforced its lending capabilities as it targets £500m in new lending over the next six months. Two senior appointments lead the charge:  Jude Miranda joins as Senior Credit Partner, with 30+ years of lending experience including roles at Shawbrook, Masthaven, Glenhawk, and more. 

Alan Fitzpatrick becomes Head of Lending Operations, bringing operational expertise from Metro Bank, Habito, and Nomo. He will lead the end-to-end lending operations function at GB Bank, helping to drive efficiency, scalability, and best-in-class broker service. 

“We’re investing in talent to match our growth ambition,” said CEO Mike says, “the appointment of Jude and Alan will give us even greater capacity to support complex, high-value deals with speed and confidence. In addition, our internship programme reflects our ongoing commitment to support the next generation of lending professionals.”. 

Whether it’s regulatory expertise, operational efficiency, or tech-enabled transformation, July’s senior appointments reflect a market preparing for its next phase. As new leaders step into key roles across consultancy, lending, fintech, and trade bodies, the sector is doubling down on experience, innovation and a shared commitment to better outcomes, for businesses and consumers alike. 

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