Industry commends Peter Wallwork, as CSA starts search for new CEO

The CSA announced this week that Wallwork has decided he will step down in June 2020 after more than 10 years at the helm.

Tributes and testimonials to his work while leading the trade association were posted on LinkedIn, just after the change was announced.

James Cornell, founder and former chief executive of Lowell, posted: “Peter I’ve always been a huge supporter of yours and the industry has benefited from your passion and determination to take the industry forward."

Bruce Curry, vice president, collections and recovery, EMEA, at FICO, also posted: “Thank you for your contribution in shaping the industry it is today. I travel the world extensively covering C&R and the CSA stands out, as do the standards of its members.”

Debbie Nolan, vice president, collections, at Arvato Financial Solutions, posted: “End of an era, Peter Wallwork! I hope you are suitably proud of the impact you have made on the industry.”

Wallwork said the decision to step down is entirely personal, adding: “I have been committed to the success of the association and supporting our members for 10 years, and feel the time is right to move on.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in that time and believe we have made great strides in influencing key stakeholders, supporting our economy and in driving standards by developing the CSA into a nationally recognised apprenticeship provider.”

John Ricketts, CSA chair, said: “Peter has been a devoted supporter of the industry since before taking over as chief executive and his achievements are a matter of record and should be a tremendous source of pride.

“The board fully understands and respects Peter’s desire to move on to other challenges, and formally thanks him for the significant contribution he has made in making the CSA what it is today – one of the foremost trade associations in the UK.”

Wallwork was appointed to the newly-created role of chief executive following the retirement of CSA executive director Kurt Obermaier in 2010.

In that time, Wallwork guided the association through a period of significant change, including the transfer of regulatory powers to the Financial Conduct Authority and successfully supporting members through the authorisation process.”

Wallwork also expanded the CSA team within Newcastle with the skills and experiences needed to reflect the increasing professionalisation of the industry, and to support members’ needs.

The association will now conduct a search for his replacement during the next three months.