Reward Finance Group has appointed Sharon Ellis as its strategy and programme director. With the majority of her career spent in business banking, Sharon will be pivotal in steering the strategic direction and vision of the business.

Sharon’s decision to join Reward is driven by her desire for fresh challenges in the industry. Having dedicated over a decade to the financial services sector and holding significant positions at companies like Virgin Money, her move comes at an opportune time.

Sharon’s appointment coincides with Reward’s recent celebration of surpassing the £200 million lending milestone following 12 years of continuous growth. Reward specialises in offering fast and flexible finance solutions to SMEs of up to £5m, with Sharon set to play an instrumental role in shaping the company’s strategic direction across its six regional UK offices.

Having worked with sole traders through to renowned PLCs and guiding large, diverse teams, Sharon’s extensive experience will be invaluable. Her role is multifaceted, encompassing not just products and Reward’s proposition, but also programme management, change initiation and the pursuit of operational excellence.

Commenting on her appointment, Sharon Ellis said: “Coming onboard with Reward is the ideal next step for me. I am keen to leverage my business banking experience for the benefit of my role and Reward. With the company experiencing such impressive growth, I’m very excited to be part of shaping the strategic direction of the business in alignment with the Board’s wider vision.

“What struck me is that Reward offers a genuine alternative to conventional lenders and has the right culture embedded in its people, to ensure SMEs across the UK receive unmatched funding support. With my background leading major UK banks, the opportunity to deliver positive change and remain agile with evolving customer and market demands is also hugely appealing. I can’t wait to get started and to be back working in my hometown.”

Nick Smith, Reward’s group managing director, added: “Sharon is joining the team during a dynamic phase for Reward. Her extensive banking experience and strategic acumen in the financial services sector will be a real asset to our team and will be integral in achieving our long-term vision.

“With the business continually expanding and diversifying, Sharon will also be working closely with our regional teams, from London to Scotland, to deliver a cohesive strategy.”