Optimum Finance has appointed Ross Stephenson as a senior relationship manager to drive new business growth and provide support to an experienced and growing relationship management team.

Stephenson (pictured) joins the team at the SME finance specialist with almost 20 years’ experience in financial services, primarily in invoice finance and including four years in corporate banking with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays.

He is promoted to the new role having recently managed a 60-strong client portfolio as a relationship manager for the South West of England.

Stephenson said: “Optimum has had great success in the past year and added more firepower to an already impressive arsenal of talent.

“The mission here is to provide businesses with the tools and expertise necessary to grow, and I’m looking forward to getting even more involved.”

Ant Persse, CEO of Optimum Finance, added: “I am thrilled to welcome Ross to the Optimum family. His focus on exemplary client service and passion to see his clients thrive shines through. We want our team to be considered an extension to the businesses we serve. This requires a personal connection and strong business understanding, both of which Ross will provide. I know that our clients will value the support that Ross will bring to their organisations.”