The Leasing Foundation strengthens board with three new appointments
The Leasing Foundation today announced the appointment of three new board members: James Rudolf, Craig Leyland and James Lovett. The new members will help shape the Foundation’s overall strategy and direction, with a particular focus on its key pillars of sustainability and giving.
James Rudolf, chief commercial officer at Acquis and Craig Leyland, head of asset finance product and journeys at Lombard, will co-lead the Foundation’s sustainability group.
James Rudolf has held a number of roles across business process outsourcing, technology and private equity-backed scale-ups. Since joining Acquis in 2020, he has led client development teams across 17 countries.
Craig Leyland has a strong focus on product innovation, strategy and change management and is passionate about building purpose-driven teams that support business success, innovation and environmental responsibility.
James Lovett, head of marketplace distribution at Funding Circle UK, will join Mel Chell to co-lead the Foundation’s Giving initiatives. His SME lending career started at Arkle Finance and Close Asset Finance before he joined Funding Circle and he plays a key role in championing charitable initiatives and mentoring future industry talent.
The three new appointments join the Foundation’s existing board, which includes:
- Ylva Oertengren (Simply) – chair
- Helen Lumb (Shire Leasing) – EDI
- Helena Thernstrom (NatWest) – EDI
- Mel Chell (Solaris Law) – Giving
- Cat Powell (Novuna Business Finance) – Innovation
- Sam Dring (Lloyds Banking Group) – Innovation
- Alexandra McWilliams (Simply) – NextGen
- Lauren McQuilken (United Trust Bank) – NextGen
- Andy Denton (Alfa Financial Software) – non exec
- Graeme Chisholm (CBC Resourcing Solutions) – non exec
- Mike Randall (Simply) – non exec
- Nathan Mollett (United Trust Bank) – non exec
Welcoming the new board members, Ylva Oertengren, chair of the Leasing Foundation, said: “I am delighted to welcome James, Craig and James to the board, appointments that will add both strength and reach to the work of the Foundation. Their energy, values and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to grow the impact of the Foundation’s work. I look forward to seeing the new ideas and initiatives they drive forward, especially as we deepen our focus on sustainability and promotion of our charity partner across the sector.”
The Leasing Foundation’s programmes are designed to support the professional development, inclusion, innovation and social responsibility within the asset finance and leasing industry.