11:FS, the challenger firm defining and building digitally native financial services through technology, product and design expertise, today announced that Shaun Meadows has joined the firm as Chairman. In the newly created role, Shaun will work with the 11:FS Board to review company objectives, examine performance, and help shape future business activity and strategy.

He will also collaborate with existing non-executive directors Lisa Gansky and Chris Skinner. Lisa is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded Global Network Navigator and Ofoto, an international thought leader and bestselling author on the development and evolution of the sharing economy. Chris is a well-known independent commentator on financial services and fintech, speaker and author of the bestselling books Digital Bank, ValueWeb and Digital Human. “As a fully independent firm, we don’t need a Board in the traditional sense.

However, we’re mindful that as 11:FS engages in new projects, with new clients and across new geographies, now is the right time to put structures in place to manage that growth effectively. With his skills and experience in scaling businesses, and enthusiasm for the work we’re doing, Shaun is the ideal person to be our first Chairman,” commented David M. Brear, Group CEO at 11:FS. “He has been an informal mentor to me for many years. I’ve appreciated and valued his insight, his approach to problem solving, how he thinks about strategy, and how he is a huge advocate for fintech and the role of digital in improving financial services.”

A highly effective senior marketing and commercial director, Shaun brings a wealth of experience to 11:FS. He is a Managing Partner supporting the SI Partners consultancy and M&A team to deliver strategic global client growth, as well as Chairman and Board member at First Central Insurance Group.

Shaun has also held a number of senior executive and board positions at Aviva, where he was Marketing Director, Aviva GI UK, being at the forefront of the digital transformation of the business. In Asia he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore, Hong Kong and Middle East business leading a team of 1000 people, sales of £1 billion and winning critical bancassurance deals, one with DBS which has transformed Aviva’s Asian business.

“I’ve known David since we worked together at Aviva, and have kept a close eye on what 11:FS has been building over the last three years. I’ve been hugely impressed with the team, the work it’s delivered and the determination to build a business around values that closely align to my own,” said Meadows. “I jumped at the opportunity to become Chairman to advise the firm on how to manage the significant operational projects and programmes as it scales to new heights and to new countries. I won’t be one of those Chairman that pops in once in a while to say ‘hi’ - David and I agree that being a proactive presence to act as a sounding board for ideas will maximise the value I can bring to 11:FS. I can’t wait to get started!”