Press Release

FLA ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL

7 February 2007

FLA (Finance & Leasing Association) today announced that Stephen Sklaroff will take over as its Director General, following Martin Hall's retirement in summer 2007 after 12 years at the helm. Stephen joins FLA on 21 May.

Stephen has been Deputy Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) since 2000. He brings with him extensive trade association and top level Whitehall and experience, including heading up the DTI’s communications department under three successive Secretaries of State. He expressed his delight at the announcement:

"I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity. The FLA represents an industry which makes a vital contribution to the UK economy. Martin Hall will be a hard act to follow, but I look forward immensely to working with the FLA's membership across all the sectors in which they provide their customers with such an important service."

FLA Chairman, Sam Geneen, welcomed the appointment:

"I am really delighted to welcome Stephen to the top job at FLA. He brings with him a wide breadth of relevant experience which will benefit our members, and the finance industry we represent. We are operating in times of rapid change and I am confident that Stephen has the skills required to drive our Association forward."