Chief Executive Officer (UK & Europe)

About the opportunity

A high-growth, venture-backed fintech business in consumer lending and embedded finance is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its UK and European operations. The company has developed a strong digital platform that helps customers access flexible finance products through a smooth online journey. With a leading position in the UK already established and fresh investment secured, the business is now preparing to scale further across Europe.

This appointment gives the right leader the chance to run a profitable, technology-driven financial services company at scale while shaping its international growth story. The mandate has been approved and the board is already evaluating leaders with experience across technology-led lending, embedded finance, consumer credit and wider fintech models.

Role overview

The CEO will hold complete P&L accountability for operations across the UK and Europe. The role calls for delivery of ambitious growth targets while protecting strong governance, risk controls and customer outcomes.

Working with the board, investors and executive team, the successful candidate will steer the business through its next expansion phase, with a focus on market growth, product development, customer acquisition and scalable operations.

Key responsibilities

• Create and deliver the growth plan for the UK and European business.
• Take full ownership of profit and loss and drive durable revenue expansion.
• Lead, coach and motivate a strong executive leadership group.
• Drive entry and growth in new European markets.
• Maintain productive relationships with investors, regulators and strategic partners.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and strong governance across all relevant jurisdictions.
• Oversee strategies to win, retain and grow customer value over time.
• Promote product innovation and technology-led business improvement.
• Improve operating efficiency and scale the organisation effectively.
• Represent the company externally with customers, investors, regulators and the wider market.
• Work with the board on long-term strategy, potential M&A activity and fundraising plans.

First-year deliverables

• Achieve the agreed revenue and profitability goals.
• Increase customer acquisition in current and new markets.
• Broaden the company’s European presence.
• Lift operational efficiency and margin performance.
• Strengthen the senior leadership team.
• Grow strategic partnerships and distribution routes.
• Contribute to future fundraising and growth initiatives.

Candidate profile

The business is open to conversations with CEOs, Managing Directors, General Managers and Divisional CEOs who have already scaled technology-enabled financial services businesses.

Relevant experience will likely include leadership in fintech, lending, banking, payments or embedded finance, together with a strong track record of revenue growth in high-growth settings. Experience in regulated financial services is important, as is the ability to manage large, cross-functional teams and work closely with boards, investors and private equity or venture capital stakeholders.

Background in customer acquisition, digital products and technology-led business models is essential. International expansion experience would be a clear advantage.

Ideal industry background

• Consumer lending
• Embedded finance
• Buy now, pay later (BNPL)
• Digital banking
• Fintech platforms
• Payments
• Credit technology
• Financial marketplaces
• Alternative lending

Leadership qualities

• A balance of strategic vision and hands-on delivery.
• Strong commercial drive and a growth-oriented mindset.
• Customer-focused leadership.
• Ability to build and scale high-performing teams.
• Comfort with data-led decision-making.
• Credibility at board level.
• Resilience in fast-moving, high-growth environments.
• An entrepreneurial style grounded in strong governance.

Additional information

Location: London (Hybrid), City of London, England, United Kingdom

Region: UK & Europe

Reporting to: Global Board and Investors

Sector: FinTech, Consumer Lending, Embedded Finance, Credit Technology

Compensation: £220,000 to £300,000 plus bonus and equity

Employment type: Full-time

Work setting: Onsite/hybrid

Company: DRC Search, an executive search firm specialising in retained senior and C-suite appointments across Technology, Product, Marketing and Data.