October 20, 2020 – Executive search firm Calibre One has assisted in the placement of Sian Herbert as an independent non-executive director of Equals Group, an international payment services provider to the retail and corporate segments of the U.K. market. The assignment was led by Hannah Joyce, a partner in the firm’s London office.
“We are delighted to be able to bring someone of Sian’s standing to lead the audit committee and contribute to the wider strategic initiatives of the group,” said Alan Hughes, non-executive chairman of Equals. “Sian is a distinguished practitioner, having spent decades advising the highest levels of management on corporate strategy relating to the impact of financial technologies and regulatory change.”
Ms. Herbert, who will be taking the position of head of the audit committee, has had a career spanning 35 years within audit, financial crime, risk and regulation, focusing on the financial services and technology sectors, the company told investors. She had 25 years’ experience at PwC including 15 years as a partner within the forensic services group, stepping down in June. At PwC, she became an established expert, advising on financial crime, risk, regulatory change and the impact of technology. Ms. Herbert is both a member of the ICAEW and the Hong Kong Society of Accountants. Since July, she has held a position as a non-executive director of HBL Bank UK Limited.
Equals Group is a leading challenger in the financial services sector catering for both business and retail customers. Operating under an e-money license, Equals provides products including international payments, corporate expenses, current accounts, credit facilities, currency cards and travel cash. The company is headquartered in London.
Earlier this year, Calibre One placed Alan Hughes as a board member at Equals Group. “We are delighted that Alan is joining the group as he brings not only a wealth of industry expertise but also extensive experience as a successful director of fintech businesses,” said John Pearson, Equals’ non-executive chairman. “As Equals continues its growth trajectory, Alan’s guidance as non-executive director will be invaluable to the group.”
International Recruiters
An international recruiting boutique specializing in working with technology-centric businesses at all stages of development, Calibre One represents Fortune 1000 companies in their hunt for top talent, including companies such as AMEX, Flex, eBay, Expedia, NetSuite, Monster, TripAdvisor, Symantec, and Fiserv & Hearst. Established in 1999, the firm is based in San Francisco, London, New York, and Singapore. Calibre One specializes in managing high-level executive searches for software, hardware, business services, communications, cleantech and internet businesses and they also work with leading investors in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Israel.
Ms. Joyce has over a decade of experience in executive search specializing in the appointment of chair, CEO and top-level executives in a range of public and private companies. Her expertise is focused on digital, marketing, commercial leadership and digital transformation searches and she supports PLCs and venture capital and private equity investors in identifying and attracting leaders in strategy, growth, restructuring and turnaround scenarios. Ms. Joyce has also assisted many European based businesses to expand internationally and many U.S.-based companies in their market entry strategies into Europe. Prior to Calibre One, she led the internet and digital transformation practice for Odgers Berndtson and more recently she was part of the global technology and consumer practice at Heidrick & Struggles.