George Ashworth, managing director of Aldermore Asset Finance, is leaving the business.

Ashworth (pictured) is a board member of the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) and chair of its asset finance division.

In a statement the company said: “George Ashworth is leaving the business and is on gardening leave with immediate effect. We have begun the process of searching for his replacement.

“Until a replacement is found, Mark Stephens, group commercial director, will be leading the business.”

Ashworth joined Aldermore from Fortis Lease Group where he was senior manager, international vendor services.

Prior to that, he was operations director at Lombard Business Finance (part of the Royal Bank of Scotland) and also gained business finance experience with Crown Equipment Corporation and De Lage Landen BV.