Premium Credit confirms ex-RSA chief as new CEO

Premium Credit has confirmed the rumours, which circled today, that chief executive, Tom Woolgrove is to step down and Tara Waite (formerly Kneafsey) is to step in as the new chief next week.

Subject to regulatory approval, Waite will take up the new role on 12 June with Woolgrove leaving “to pursue other business interests.”

With both UK and international experience of business leadership in the financial services, Waite is well-placed to take Premium Credit to the next level.

She was previously chief executive of RSA’s Latvian business, before becoming managing director of RSA’s UK SME and Delegated Authority business, where she was responsible for transitioning the business to a digital trading platform.

Most recently, she was chief executive of Wonga Group, leaving in January 2019.  

She is also a non-executive director of Ageas (UK) Limited, Ageas Insurance Limited, Ageas Retail Limited and Ageas Services (UK) Limited.

Focussing on market opportunities

Colin Keogh, chairman of the Board at Premium Credit, said: “On behalf of the Premium Credit Board, I am delighted to welcome Tara to the senior management team at Premium Credit. She has an impressive leadership track record and a reputation for innovation and driving growth.

“We look forward to working with her as the Group focuses on further market opportunities and delivering excellent products and services to businesses and individuals, working closely with our broker network.”

Tara Waite commented: “I’m excited to join Premium Credit, an impressive market leader in the premium finance space. The business has a proven track record, strong commercial relationships and a highly capable team; all of which equate to a highly attractive leadership opportunity. I very much look forward to working with everyone at Premium Credit to explore the many opportunities I am confident are available to us.”

Proud of achievements and evolution

Speaking on the departing Woolgrove, Keogh continued: “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Tom for his contribution and notable achievements as CEO of Premium Credit. During his tenure, Tom has overseen a period of considerable change and the business is well positioned for the future. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Woolgrove said: “Premium Credit has a highly talented team and a strong market position; I am very proud of its achievements and the way in which the business has evolved during my time as CEO. I am confident that customers, clients and our intermediaries will continue to benefit from Premium Credit’s services and I wish the company every success going forward.”