Issue 1 2019

6 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2019 , In late September 2018, GaryWilkinson, Redwood Bank’s CEO and Co-Founder, was recognised in CEOMonthly’s annual CEO of the Year programme as the Finance CEO of the Year for Hertfordshire. Following this win, we spoke to Gary, who offered some insights into the role he plays in forging Redwood’s promising future. A CEO Challenging the Future of Finance Despite being a relative newcomer to the banking world, Redwood Bank has made a strong and disruptive first impression as a UK challenger bank that caters singularly for small and medium- sized businesses. In Gary’s words: “Redwood was launched to offer a real alternative for smaller businesses, providing fast, simple, transparent loans and savings accounts. Our specialist team focuses on lending to local communities and supporting British businesses, helping them navigate the ever- changing financial and business landscape by offering secured, individually assessed loans and rewarding savings accounts.” As CEO, Gary has helped guide the foundations of a firm that has set out, from the very beginning, to offer something different to the norm and the expected: it is a hybrid - a cutting edge, future- proof bank with traditional client- centric values. “From inception, I was careful to instil Redwood’s core values, which continue to be at the heart of everything we do: Simplicity, Certainty, Integrity and Tirelessness form the basis of Redwood’s approach. Ultimately, we treat everyone as we would like to be treated ourselves.” “Today, my role is to help formulate the strategy of the Bank as a board director, and then, as CEO, to lead the team in ensuring 1810CE09 its successful implementation, in accordance with the Bank’s strategic plan. Day to day, I manage overall operations and resources and act as the main point of communication between the Bank’s board of directors and its corporate operations.” On its launch in August 2017, Redwood Bank became one of the fastest ‘licence-to-launch’ establishments in UK banking history. On this, Gary credits his organised, and careful nature in helping to secure such a start. “I am a meticulous planner and fully appreciate the importance and benefits of being very well prepared. I’m also pretty flexible, which means I can adapt easily to changing circumstances and environments. I am determined, proactive and have an overwhelming desire to succeed.” “I believe perseverance is key. When it comes to launching any new business, there will be challenging situations, but you just need to be committed, passionate, and understand that success does not develop overnight.” Looking to the future, Gary takes a moment to emphasise Redwood’s innate strengths: “Our attention will remain on continuing to deliver excellence to our customers. Our mission is to make a real difference by offering great service and simple products.” Company: Redwood Bank Address: The Nexus Building, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3TA, United Kingdom Website: www.redwoodbank.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 330 053 6067