Regional Chief Executive Officer, UK & Ireland

Role overview

We are seeking a Regional Chief Executive Officer to lead the UK & Ireland business for a rapidly expanding European payments and banking technology firm. The company operates across several markets and supports thousands of businesses in retail, hospitality, and online commerce.

This is a high-impact regional leadership role with full ownership of the business performance across both countries. The position combines strategic direction, commercial growth, team leadership, and operational accountability.

The role also includes direct regulatory accountability to the FCA, usually through the SMF1 Chief Executive Senior Management Function under SM&CR.

What you will own

• Full responsibility for the UK & Ireland profit and loss, including revenue growth, profitability, and delivery excellence.
• Creation and execution of the regional strategy, including how the business is positioned in the market.
• Hiring, guiding, and developing the senior leadership team, while attracting and retaining strong performers.
• Establishing a culture built around ownership, accountability, collaboration, and high standards.
• Managing senior relationships with customers, partners, and other key industry stakeholders.
• Interpreting market trends and competitive activity and converting insights into commercial opportunities.
• Running a focused, metrics-led operation with priorities set clearly and decisions backed by data.
• Fulfilling the regulatory obligations associated with the role under FCA requirements.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will bring a solid background in payments, fintech, or financial services, with significant commercial and operational responsibility. Around 10 to 15 years of experience is typical, although the strength of your career progression matters more than years alone.

You should already own, or be ready to take on, P&L accountability and have a record of driving growth. Experience in building teams, developing people, and coaching talent is important.

This opportunity will suit a leader ready for a first full regional CEO role, or someone moving up from a senior general management or commercial leadership position. The right person will be entrepreneurial, resilient, adaptable, and motivated by scaling a business rather than simply maintaining one.

You will also need to be a strong culture builder who leads from the front, earns trust, and stays close to customers, teams, and day-to-day execution. Strong stakeholder management in a matrix or group environment, a strategic outlook, and a bias toward action are all essential.

Location and regulatory fit

The role is based in London or the Midlands, with travel expected across the UK and Ireland. Applicants must be eligible for FCA approval and meet fit-and-proper requirements.

Additional information

This search is being handled on a confidential basis. The opportunity should be discussed in strict confidence.