Eilish — a qualified chartered accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales — is an experienced audit and finance professional with over 25 years’ experience working in financial services and, more recently, serving on public and private sector boards.

She started her career at KPMG, where she undertook various roles across the firm’s financial services and consulting business, before moving to its Australian practice.

Between 2004 and 2016, Eilish worked at Goldman Sachs — most recently as head of audit, where she led strategic initiatives around internal control, risk management, change and transformation, culture and governance for over a decade.

She was also a NED at The Financial Reporting Council and Spot England.

Currently, she is a trustee at Plan International UK, ambassador at Women on Boards UK, and is the founder of a leadership development practice working with social impact and female-founded businesses.

Meanwhile, Matthew worked as a senior banker and financial regulator in the UK, EU and Bermuda.

Throughout his career, he held senior roles at numerous companies, including chief risk officer at Nordea, group director for conduct, compliance and operational risk at Lloyds Bank, and CEO at the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

•   What does the specialist finance industry need in 2023 and beyond?
•   British Business Bank reveals first lenders accredited for new RLS
•   British Business Investments appoints new CEO

He also previously worked at the UK Financial Services Authority (now FCA) in a number of roles involving banking supervision, markets policy and exchange and clearing house supervision.

Commenting on her appointment, Eilish said she was delighted to join British Business Bank’s board.

“Small businesses are the heart of the UK economy, communities, and innovation, and the British Business Bank plays a vital role in this. 

“I look forward to adding my expertise to an already accomplished board and leadership team to further strengthen and develop the bank’s role in supporting the government’s agenda at this important time.”

Matthew added: “It is a privilege to join the board of the British Business Bank and support its mission of making financial markets work effectively for UK small businesses. 

“I very much look forward to working with my fellow directors, our government shareholder, and our many stakeholders to help the leadership team continue to deliver the bank’s crucial role in the UK economy.”

Lord Smith, chair of the British Business Bank, stated: “Eilish and Matthew have a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields and we are delighted to welcome them to the board of the British Business Bank. 

“At this important time for the bank and the country more widely, I look forward to drawing on their advice and counsel as we continue to build our support for the UK’s smaller business population.”