Nigel Clibbens will be the next chairman of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), the UK’s trade body for the asset, consumer and motor finance sectors.

Currently chief operating officer at Lombard, the UK’s largest asset finance provider, Clibbens  has held a seat on the FLA board for the last three years.

The FLA says Clibbens brings to the role 33 years’ experience in the financial services sector as well as robust product knowledge, a background in risk and operations and a strong awareness of governance and regulation.

Commenting on the role, which has a two-year tenure, Clibbens said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as the FLA’s chairman. The leasing sector has played a fundamental role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery, providing over £22bn of funding to businesses in 2013."

“The FLA has a vital part to play in ensuring this continues, maintaining its strong lobbying position to support the sector and building on the higher profile that has been established.

“I intend to use my tenure as chairman to continue to lift the standards of customer service in the sector, while working to raise awareness of the innovative and flexible funding solutions offered by the FLA’s members.”

Stephen Sklaroff, director general of the FLA, said: “I look forward to working with Nigel and know his experience and insight will be invaluable to the FLA at this time of dramatic change in the regulatory environment and accelerating recovery.”