The UK’s leading online short term asset lender, borro.com has announced the appointment of Claire Gates as Managing Director.

Claire has over ten years of experience in the financial services sector working for major blue chip companies. Having previously led the Retailer & Partnership section of GE Capital in Central & Eastern Europe, Claire was most recently Managing Director at Virgin Money, where she established Virgin Money Canada.

She commented on her new position: “I am very excited about joining borro and working with the team as we continue to capitalise on the significant growth opportunities.”

borro, which was recently voted ‘Alternative Lender of the Year’ 2011 by Credit Today, has numerous investors, including Eden Ventures, European Founders, Kreos Capital, Augmentum Capital and Octopus Investments.

The company, which provides short term lending facilities to clients of IFAs, mortgage and commercial brokers, accountants, solicitors, lawyers, wealth managers and tax advisers, was also named a winner of the 2011 Smarta 100 awards last month, as well as ‘Distinguished Honoree’ at the International Business Awards and the ‘Best New Business’ at the Best Business Awards.

Paul Aitken, CEO and founder of borro, said: “Claire brings a wealth of consumer finance leadership to the business.  Given our growth plans her international experience will also be used to the full.  We are thrilled to welcome Claire to the team.”