Folk2Folk, a unique peer to peer lending platform that combines physical locations with an online platform matching investors with small business loans, has announced the appointment of Giles Cross Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Cross takes over the position from Jane Dumeresque who announced her resignation last September.
Tim Sawyer CBE, Chairman of Folk2Folk, said that Cross had demonstrated dynamic leadership qualities since joining the firm;
“His clear passion and understanding of our purpose and what we seek to achieve combined with his vision, skillset and clear ability to execute, make him the ideal person to lead us through the next stage of our growth. I look forward to working with him and helping him achieve his goals for the business.“
Cross joined Folk2Folk as Chief Marketing Officer in June 2017. According to the company, he has been instrumental in defining brand, driving awareness and sales within his first two quarters. Cross was most recently a member of the senior leadership teams at wealth managers Sanlam UK and The English Mutual Group. Cross is said to be a firm believer in the ability and responsibility of the financial services sector to be a driving force for good in society, delivering positive outcomes for both customers and the wider community.
As CEO, Cross is expected to position Folk2Folk as the “go-to” provider for local financing. Folk2Folk mainly services small, rural businesses seeking growth capital while simultaneously offering attractive investment opportunities for individuals.
Cross released a statement on his appointment;
“Our intention is to build a best loved, UK financial services brand; a business built on the value of fair exchange, that delivers stakeholder and shareholder value in equal measure, with a significant national presence: online, in the high street and in the mind of the consumer. Our unique local lending offering and asset backed approach provides a fair, transparent and tangible form of finance that’s attractive to both Lenders and Borrowers.”
Louis Mathers, co-founder of Folk2Folk, added that Cross has made a huge and positive impact in a very short space of time.
“He truly understands our business, our heritage, what makes us special and since joining, has been able to articulate our purpose, our value and our point of difference in a way that is now crystal clear to all. FOLK2FOLK is precious to a great many people: Investors, Lenders, Borrowers and stakeholders, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning and I am confident that the business is not only in great hands but also has an amazing future ahead of it.”