Startline appoints Andy Smithson as head of internal control, compliance and legal

Startline Motor Finance has appointed Andy Smithson to the new role of head of internal control, compliance and legal relay.

Smithson will be responsible for ensuring a robust and effective control environment with strong ongoing legal, regulatory and operational compliance, as well as leading the environmental, social and governance agenda, Startline said. 

He joins from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance where he was a director, having also spent 12 years at Lloyds Banking Group.

Paul Burgess, chief executive officer at Startline, said: “This is a crucial new role for Startline as we embark on our latest growth phase and we are very pleased to welcome Andy to the business. He has an impeccable track record and is already making a positive impact here.”

In December 2021, Startline Motor Finance completed a £292m London Stock Exchange-listed securitisation to fund growth and future-proof it with a move into electric vehicle (EV) funding.

In August 2021, the company launched the Startline Acadamy, a new remote learning platform to deliver training and wellbeing support to its staff in response to the rapid growth of remote working.

A month later it launched a new 'Insights' data product designed to maximise car retailers' finance opportunities.

New recruit Smithson has spent time of his career in the United States, working in motor finance before becoming vice president of risk management at HBOS in the US and holding the same position at Drive Financial Services.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “It’s exciting to be working in motor finance once more and great to become part of the team here at Startline.

"I have been genuinely impressed by how invested everyone is in the success of the business and how the company supports both customers and colleagues.

“I’m looking forward to developing the risk framework and oversight model to support our ambitious future plans, ensuring that effective controls and regulatory compliance not only protects the business but delivers positive customer outcomes.”