Chief Executive Officer

Regional CEO – UK \& Ireland \| Payments / Fintech \| FCA-Regulated Acquirer

We are working on a confidential mandate to find a Regional CEO to lead the UK \& Ireland business of a fast-growing, pan-European payments technology company. This organisation is a fast-scaling European payments and banking technology company, operating across multiple markets and serving thousands of businesses across retail, hospitality and online commerce.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a true regional CEO mandate — owning the P\&L, setting strategy, building the leadership team, and shaping the culture for the business across two key markets.

The Role

As Regional CEO you will own the UK \& Ireland P\&L and be fully accountable for revenue growth, profitability and operational delivery across both territories. You'll set market positioning, build and lead the senior leadership team, deepen relationships with customers and partners, and embed the standards and culture the business runs on. You'll work closely with Group leadership and contribute to global strategy.

This role also carries personal regulatory accountability to the FCA, typically holding the SMF1 (Chief Executive) Senior Management Function under SM\&CR.

Key Responsibilities

Own the UK \& Ireland P\&L and deliver sustainable, profitable growth \| Set and execute regional strategy and market positioning \| Build, lead and develop the leadership team, attracting and retaining strong talent \| Set the culture — ownership, accountability, collaboration and high standards \| Build and hold senior relationships with customers, partners and industry stakeholders \| Read the market and competition and turn insight into commercial opportunity \| Run a disciplined operation with clear priorities and decisions driven by data and KPIs \| Meet the regulatory responsibilities of the role under the FCA

About You

A strong track record in payments, fintech or financial services, with genuine commercial and operational responsibility — broadly 10–15 years, though trajectory matters more than tenure. P\&L ownership, or clear readiness to step up to it, with evidence of delivering growth. Experience building and developing teams, and coaching talent.

You're a leader on an upward path — ready for your first full regional CEO mandate, or stepping up from a senior GM or commercial leadership role, with the ambition and headroom to grow with the business. Entrepreneurial, resilient and adaptable, with a genuine desire to build and scale rather than maintain.

You're a culture carrier who leads by example and builds trust. People-first, hands-on, and comfortable staying close to customers, teams and execution. Strong stakeholder management within a matrix/Group structure, with a strategic mindset and bias for action.

Based in London or the Midlands, with the ability to travel across the UK \& Ireland. Eligible for FCA approval (fit and proper).

This search is being conducted on a strictly confidential basis. To discuss further in complete confidence, please reach out directly or apply via Linkedin.