Jon Howells leaves Close Brothers for role in new Premium Credit leadership team

Premium Credit has made three appointments to its executive team.

Jon Howells, currently commercial director at Close Brothers, will join the team in September as the new chief commercial officer.

Owen Thomas, who had led the strategy and engagement for global broker relationships at RSA, also joins as chief sales officer, while Josie Pileio was appointed HR director earlier this month.

All three will report directly to new Premium Credit chief executive Tara Waite.

Assets

Waite said: “The human capital, skills, knowledge and experience found within our business remains our most important asset. The additions of Owen, Jon and Josie to Premium Credit are significant developments and I am delighted to welcome them to my executive team.

“Together we will collaborate to improve the delivery of premium finance for our customers and clients.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Premium Credit as we continue to focus on enhancing our business operations and customer experience.

“Over the past two quarters this strategy has enabled the Group to improve the performance of its business, including increased volumes, an improved credit performance and higher levels of cost recovery.

“This has resulted in an increase in EBITDA which the Company believe will continue on its recent trajectory.”

Thomas will start in his role on Monday, leading on insurance premium finance sales. He said: “I am delighted to be joining the market leading team at Premium Credit.

“I look forward to driving sustainable growth by working with my new colleagues to strengthen our relationships and promote our innovative propositions to our clients and customers.”

Pileio has held a range of top HR roles across the world, and she added: “I’m very pleased to join Premium Credit, a fast moving and innovative organisation with big ambitions. I have already spent time with some great colleagues and look forward to working with all our people to deliver the Group’s business strategy and maintain our market leadership.”