John Phillipou from Paragon Bank is the new FLA Chair

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has today announced the appointment of John Phillipou as the new Chair of the Association. He succeeds Rebecca McNeil, who held this post since 2021.

John is Managing Director of SME Lending at Paragon Bank, and his career spans over 25 years in business lending, both in the UK and globally, including roles with Bank of Scotland, JCB Finance, Citigroup and as International MD for Deutsche Leasing.

Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the FLA, said:

“On behalf of the Board and the FLA staff, I would like to thank Rebecca McNeil for her service during the last two years. Her time as Chair provided great leadership and vision. We are delighted to welcome John into this role, and excited to see the contributions he will make to the membership and the wider industry.”

John Phillipou, added:

“I’m proud to have been appointed Chair of the FLA. The industry is on the verge of significant change in the coming years through technology advancements and I am looking forward to playing a role in its evolution, ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard with policymakers and raising its profile with industry.” 

Note to editors:

1. John Phillipou’s LinkedIn profile can be found here
2. In 2022, members of the Finance & Leasing Association provided £148 billion of new finance to UK businesses, households and the public sector.  
3. Of this total, £55 billion was provided by non-bank lenders. £34 billion was provided in the form of asset finance to businesses - £22 billion of which went to SMEs to fund new equipment, plant and machinery, or purchased software. £115 billion was provided in the form of consumer credit, which includes £50 billion of motor finance supporting the purchase of 84% of all private new car registrations.
4. For media enquiries, please contact the FLA press office on 020 7420 9656.