Charlotte Crosswell to step down as Innovate Finance CEO
Charlotte Crosswell will step down as chief executive of Innovate Finance on 1 May and chief operating officer Janine Hirt will take over as interim chief executive.
Crosswell (pictured) was appointed as Innovate Finance’s chief executive in 2017 and has since played a pivotal role in its efforts to accelerate the UK’s role in financial services.
She worked as co-secretariat to the Kalifa Review, which laid out the roadmap that could lead the UK to the top of the global fintech league table.
Interim replacement Hirt joined Innovate Finance in 2015 first as head of membership then ecosystem director and most recently as a board member and chief operating officer.
She oversees the trade association’s broader member ecosystem, directly manages the relationship with its highest supporters and is responsible for monitoring key trends in fintech and innovation to ensure Innovate Finance is continuously providing its membership community with support.
Crosswell and Hirt will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition.
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“After nearly four years as chief executive of Innovate Finance, the time has come for me to step aside,” said Crosswell.
“It has been a privilege to lead the UK’s fintech industry body through a period of tremendous growth, which has seen our members scale globally and the sector cement its position as a world leader.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all our members, the government, regulators and the wider global ecosystem, to champion the innovation taking place in our financial services sector and lift the profile of Innovate Finance to be the voice of UK fintech.
“The recommendations of the recently published Kalifa Review herald the start of an exciting period of growth for both UK fintech and Innovate Finance. The strategy defined in the review will accelerate significant opportunities to move the sector forwards as the industry matures.
“With the Kalifa Review complete and the increased profile of the fintech sector and our members, it feels the right time to hand over the reins. Fintech and Innovate Finance have a significant role to play in the next phase of our financial services innovation, and I am looking forward to staying close to the sector.”
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“I am honoured and hugely excited to lead Innovate Finance into a new phase, building on the great work undertaken by Charlotte,” said Hirt.
“As UK fintech has strengthened and matured, it has contributed to creating a fairer, more inclusive and efficient financial services sector.
“I look forward to working closely with our amazing Innovate Finance team, our members, government, regulators and the entire ecosystem, to ensure the UK retains its world-leading position in financial innovation.”
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