Close Brothers chief exec Sharon Bishop steps down

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Bishop steps down from her role after 17 years at the premium finance provider

Sharon Bishop is stepping down as chief executive of Close Brothers Premium Finance after seven years in the role.

Adrian Sainsbury, Close Brother’s banking division manging director, said that he wanted to thank Bishop for her “excellent contribution” during her 17-year career at the bank.

He said: “I’m sure everyone in broking will want to join me in thanking [Bishop] and wishing her every future success.”

Meanwhile Close Brothers Group has made some leadership changes bringing together its Retail, Motor and Premium businesses.

Changes

Close Brothers has appointed Rebecca McNeil, in a newly created role as chief executive of retail with immediate effect.

McNeil is currently chief executive of motor finance, but she originally joined Close Brothers two years ago from Barclays where she held a range of senior finance roles including chief operating officer.

She will lead both premium finance and motor finance although the businesses will continue to operate separately.

McNeil, said: “Our priority is to ensure continuous improvement to our broking operations and that we are at the side of our 1,600 broker partners, supporting them and their three million customers, during this critical time for broking as we emerge from the pandemic.”

She joined Barclays Corporate Banking in 2014 after five years at GE Money – the parent company of financial services firm GE Money. Here she held roles in recoveries and partnerships, but she began her financial services career back in 2001 as a graduate trainee at American Express.

“I am excited by this new challenge and look forward to driving collaboration in order to maximise the future potential of the two retail businesses. As the lockdown eases further, I am keen to meet our partners and understand how we can reinforce the positive relationships we have with them,” McNeil added.

Paul Trail, formerly sales director will become Close Brother Premium Finance managing director and report to McNeil. He will retain overall responsibility for building and maintaining Close Brother’s broker relationships.