UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced that its Chief Executive, Patrick Crawford, will be stepping down on 15 November 2012. He will be taking up the role of Chief Executive at Charity Bank.
Patrick Crawford joined UKEF in July 2004. He led the organisation through the consolidation of its operations at a single site in London, and oversaw a more efficient and effective delivery of support to exporters. With the onset of the economic downturn, he led the introduction of a range of new products designed to help SMEs, ensuring the departments product range was comparable with export credit agencies throughout the G7. In 2011, he led the rebranding of Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) into its current UK Export Finance identity, and in 2012 initiated the appointment of regional export finance advisers throughout the UK. The department has recently announced plans for an export refinancing facility to support British exporters by ensuring that overseas buyers have the long-term funding they need.
David Havelock, UKEFs director of credit risk, will take over as acting chief executive until a successor is appointed through an open competition.
Trade Minister Lord Green said:
Patrick has been an excellent leader for UK Export Finance over the years he has worked for the department. He led it through global economic challenges, ensuring businesses of all sizes are able to benefit from the products on offer and export their goods abroad.
I wish him all the very best in his exciting new role at the Charity Bank, and look forward to working with David Havelock as he steps in as interim chief executive of the department.
Guy Beringer QC, UKEF Chairman, said:
Patrick has led the department with great intelligence and enthusiasm, navigating UKEF successfully in a complex operating environment. He leaves behind him a department that is more productive and more responsive and for that he should take great credit. I wish him all the best in his new role at the Charity Bank, and look forward to working with David and the executive team to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.
George Blunden, Chairman of Charity Bank said:
In our first decade we have made more than 1,000 loans, valued at over 170 million, supporting project expenditure of over 365 million and improved the lives of 3.5 million people. Over the next five years, with further capital backing from existing and new investors, we aim to increase the financial options for many more charities and social enterprises, but without changing our risk profile. We believe that Patrick Crawford has the right credentials and the right personality to lead us there and we are delighted thats hes agreed to join us.
For further information on Charity Bank please contact: Mark Howland at Charity Bank on 01732 774059 or email mhowland@charitybank.org