Independent Growth Finance (IGF) has announced the appointment of John Allbrook as non-executive chairman.

He will succeed Matt Cooper, who, during three years as chairman, helped IGF transition from a small financier to a larger independent asset based lender.

Since leaving GE Capital in 2004 Allbrook (pictured) has worked with private equity and AIM-listed businesses in both the financial services and technology sectors.

As CEO of GoIndustry plc, Allbrook helped the company to secure an AIM listing, while as executive chairman of Syscap, he grew revenues and EBITDA significantly, enabling the successful sale of the business to the Wesleyan Mutual Assurance Society.

Since then Allbrook has built a non-executive portfolio which has included both Borro Private Finance and Hitachi Capital – Franchise Finance. He is currently non-executive chairman of Cellesce, a biotechnology start-up, and is a board mentor with Critical Eye, the peer-to-peer board community.

At IGF, Allbrook will be providing counsel on how IGF can best support the growth ambitions of SMEs, many of which are backed by the UK’s leading private equity houses.

John Onslow, CEO of IGF said: “We are enjoying a strong phase of growth and are keen to maintain this trajectory. Our leadership team will benefit greatly from having access to John’s expertise.

“John has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the private equity space, a key growth area for IGF. His extensive experience makes him the perfect addition to our board.”

“I am pleased to be working with IGF at this interesting period for the UK economy. IGF’s range of asset-based lending solutions have never been more relevant to businesses that want to grow in uncertain times.”