Ignite names trio appointment including chairman and CFO

Ignite Funding Partners (Ignite), has appointed a new CFO and operating partner, and made two appointments to its board, including chairman.

The firm has hired a new member to its leadership and governance team with the appointment of Chris Pearson as chief finance and operating partner. Meanwhile, Simon Morgan joins as non-executive chairman, and Peter Ward as non-executive director.

Chris brings experience in financial markets across the UK and the US, including first-a tenure as managing director at family law litigation funder, Level.

The firm’s new Chairman, Simon is a corporate lawyer who has spent over 30 years advising businesses across sectors, including financial services, on start-ups, regulation, governance, financing and M&A.

Peter brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services as a senior Partner of L.E.K. Consulting, with five years as head of its London office, and is a long-standing member of the firm’s European Regional Management Committee.

Ravi Anand, founder and managing partner at Ignite Funding Partners, said: “I am pleased to be joined on Ignite’s board by two highly respected individuals in their fields. I have known both for a number of years, and they bring very complementary skills to the board.

“Simon and Peter will ensure we keep focused, while remaining opportunistic and managing risk in an appropriate fashion.

Alongside this, Chris will further strengthen the senior team at Ignite, bringing deep experience of UK business lending and specialist finance. In leading our finance and operations, he will provide the foundation for Ignite’s growth over the coming years.”

Simon Morgan commented: “Ignite has been built by an experienced team with a proven record of lending to UK businesses. I’m excited to help Ignite be a reliable, long-term partner to the businesses it serves and grow into a key supporter of the UK’s proven enterprises. I look forward to working with Ravi and the team to help Ignite fulfil its ambitions.”

Chris Pearson, added: “Ignite has a clear proposition, a team with deep expertise, and now strong oversight from an experienced board.

“Alongside Ravi and the team, we will establish the financial and operational infrastructure that allows us to lend with consistency and pace, giving the businesses, advisers and investors we work with confidence in us as a long-term partner.

“I’m delighted to be joining at such an exciting stage in Ignite’s growth.”