People Moves October 2024

Alan Thomas

Job From Simply Business - CEO
Job To Ripe - CEO

“This is a great time to join Ripe, using the platform to transform the way consumers experience insurance, harnessing data and technology to turbocharge our expansion.”

Ripe, a leading insurtech company, has announced a significant change in its leadership with the appointment of Alan Thomas as its new CEO. This strategic move marks an exciting new chapter for the company and reinforces its commitment to innovation in the insurance sector.

He joins Ripe with an impressive background in the insurance and technology industries. The decision to bring Thomas on board reflects Ripe's ambition to further strengthen its position in the competitive insurtech market.

In his new role as CEO, Alan will be responsible for setting and executing Ripe's overall strategic direction. His mandate includes accelerating the company's technological advancements, enhancing its data-driven approach to insurance and exploring new market opportunities. 

Alan's expertise is expected to be particularly valuable in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving insurtech landscape.

The board of directors expressed enthusiasm about his appointment, citing his deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset as key factors in their decision. They believe his leadership will be crucial in driving Ripe's continued success and expanding its market presence.

Alan's arrival at Ripe comes at a pivotal time for the company. As the demand for specialised, digital-first insurance solutions continues to grow, Ripe is poised to capitalise on these market trends. 

One of Alan’s primary focuses will be to build upon Ripe's existing strengths while identifying new avenues for growth. This may include expanding the company's product portfolio, enhancing customer experience through advanced technologies, and potentially exploring new geographic markets.

Mark Wilson

Job From Aviva - CEO
Job To Zilch - Non-Executive Director

Mark Wilson has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Zilch, bringing a wealth of experience in global financial leadership to the company. 

His extensive background in managing international financial enterprises makes him an invaluable addition to Zilch's team, positioning the company for continued growth and market leadership in the fintech sector.

Mark's career highlights include his tenure as CEO and President of AIA during the tumultuous period of the global financial crisis. 

Under his guidance, AIA not only weathered the economic storm but emerged stronger, culminating in a record-breaking initial public offering that set new benchmarks in corporate history. 

This achievement underscores Mark's ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive substantial business growth.

Following his success at AIA, Mark took on the role of Group CEO at Aviva, where he implemented strategic reforms that revitalised the company's focus and bolstered its financial foundation. 

These accomplishments demonstrate his expertise in corporate restructuring and financial optimisation, skills that will undoubtedly benefit Zilch as it continues to expand its operations and market presence.

In recent years, Mark has diversified his portfolio by founding Talos Capital and investing in various fintech ventures, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to the evolving financial technology landscape. His position on the Board of BlackRock Inc. further cements his status as a respected figure in the global financial community.

Beyond his business acumen, Mark is recognised for his commitment to sustainable business practices. His representation of global business interests at the United Nations General Assembly during the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals highlights his dedication to responsible corporate governance. 

This aligns seamlessly with Zilch's mission to promote financial inclusion and its innovative approach to eliminating consumer credit costs.

Valerie Romanovskaya

Job From HSBC Innovation Bank - Director of Finance and Head of FP&A
Job To ClearBank - UK Chief Financial Officer

ClearBank, the pioneering force in real-time clearing and embedded banking, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. Valerie Romanovskaya, a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, is set to assume the role of UK Chief Financial Officer, pending regulatory approval.

Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge from her illustrious career, which includes pivotal positions at some of the world's most renowned financial institutions. Her most recent role as Director of Finance and Head of FP&A at HSBC Innovation Bank, coupled with her extensive experience at Silicon Valley Bank and UBS, positions her as an invaluable asset to ClearBank's continued growth and success in the UK market.

This strategic appointment follows the recent naming of Emma Hagan as UK CEO earlier in the year, signalling ClearBank's commitment to strengthening its executive team as it embarks on an ambitious growth trajectory. 

Upon receiving regulatory approval, Valerie will join ClearBank UK's Executive Team and UK Board of Directors, where her expertise will be instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy.

In her new role, Valerie will oversee all finance-related activities for the UK bank, encompassing financial planning and performance, capital and liquidity management, and financial regulatory reporting. She will work in close collaboration with ClearBank's CFO, Mark Fairless, to bolster the Group's broader finance function.

The creation of this UK CFO position is a crucial component of ClearBank's organisational restructuring, designed to support its international expansion plans. This move follows the recent acquisition of a Credit Institution Licence from the European Central Bank, under the supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank, paving the way for ClearBank to extend its services into Europe. The new structure will underpin the bank's international model as it sets its sights on North America and other global markets.

Carlos Menendez

Job From Mastercard - President, Commercialisation Office
Job To dLocal - Chief Operating Officer

dLocal, the preeminent cross-border payment platform specialising in high-growth markets, has announced a significant change to its leadership structure. Carlos Menendez has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. This strategic move aims to strengthen the company's executive team and drive continued growth.

The current COO and Co-President, Jacobo Singer, will work alongside Carlos during a transition period lasting until 15 December 2024. This arrangement ensures a smooth handover of responsibilities, after which Singer will step down from both roles. However, Singer will continue to contribute his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors.

Pedro Arnt, CEO of dLocal, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos as our new COO. His proven track record in scaling businesses and fostering strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations.”

Carlos brings a wealth of experience to the role, boasting over three decades of expertise in global strategic leadership and operational management. His impressive career spans world-class companies across various sectors, including payments, banking and consumer industries. Notable names on his CV include Mastercard, Citibank and Procter & Gamble. 

Throughout his professional journey, Carlos has demonstrated a keen ability to scale businesses, manage global profit and loss accounts and spearhead strategic initiatives. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Wharton.

In his new role, Carlos will report directly to CEO Pedro Arnt. Pedro further commented on the appointment, saying: “Carlos is a highly respected and accomplished leader who has played a pivotal role in advising and scaling some of the world's most successful fintech companies.”

To read the full story in the magazine click HERE

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