Paragon’s Phillipou appointed FLA chair

Phillipou has been a member of the FLA board for around four years.

He has worked as managing director for SME lending at Paragon since 2019 and before that was chief executive for Pan European Asset Company for around two years.

Prior to that, he worked at Deutsche Leasing UK and Ireland for nearly 12 years, most recently as managing director. Phillipou has also held roles at Citi Group and JCB Finance.

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.”

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.”