There has been a major shake-up at one of the giants of the premium finance sector.
Close Brothers has announced that Sharon Bishop will be stepping down as CEO of premium finance as the company looks to bring together the leadership of its retail, motor and premium arms.
“On behalf of all of us at Close Brothers, I want to thank Sharon for her excellent contribution during her 17 years at the bank, including the last seven years as CEO of the premium finance business,” said Adrian Sainsbury, banking division managing director. “I’m sure everyone in broking will want to join me in thanking Sharon and wishing her every future success.” 
The move sees Rebecca McNeil (pictured right), currently the CEO of Close Brothers Motor Finance, become CEO of retail. Meanwhile, Paul Trail (pictured below), becomes managing director of Close Brothers Premium Finance, reporting to McNeil.
McNeil will now head up both premium finance and motor finance, but the businesses will operate separately. Trail will have overall responsibility for sales.
Having made the switch from Barclays two years ago, McNeil, who also spent five years at GE Money, wasted no time in reaffirming the business’s commitment to the broker market.
“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,” she said. “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.
“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.”
