CEO APPOINTMENT
SmartSearch, a leading UK provider of digital compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) software, has announced today that Phil Cotter will be appointed as the new CEO, effective from 22nd April 2024. Phil will be taking over from Guy Harrison, who is leaving SmartSearch after nearly two and a half years to pursue a new opportunity.
Phil brings over 25 years’ experience in successfully leading high performing teams and building fast growing software solutions in risk and compliance. Throughout his career he has developed deep expertise in anti-money laundering, credit decisioning, fraud prevention, digital identity and financial data and analytics.
Most recently Phil was Group Head of Customer and Third-Party Risk at the London Stock Exchange Group, a global leader in Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions. Prior to LSEG, Phil led the Risk business within Thomson Reuters and Refinitiv preceding the transaction with LSEG. Before this he was with Experian for 15 years, where he led the UK Credit Services division and was the Global Leader for Business Information solutions.
Phil’s arrival represents another exciting milestone for SmartSearch, after recently receiving a majority investment from Triple Private Equity, which focuses on partnering with B2B mission-critical vertical software and data businesses headquartered in the UK and the Nordic Region.
Today also marks the closing of Triple’s investment in SmartSearch, which is the first investment made by Triple’s inaugural Fund I.
Phil Cotter, CEO of SmartSearch, said:
“I’m looking forward to leading SmartSearch at such an exciting time for the business. I’m passionate about leading high performing teams and delivering solutions that enable customers to comply with their regulatory obligations and protect them and society from the impact of financial crime. The SmartSearch team, share my passion, and together we will continue to focus on delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers.”
Mads Hansen, Head of Investments and Managing & Founding Partner, Triple, said:
“We are pleased to announce Phil’s appointment at SmartSearch, he is an industry veteran who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the business, we are delighted to be partnering with him and the broader team at SmartSearch.”
Ben Shepherd, Head of Value Creation and Founding Partner, Triple, said:
“Phil’s appointment is fantastic news and a great story for both SmartSearch and Triple. Having worked with Phil previously, I know first-hand the value and energy he will bring to the team and the passion that he has for delivering world-class solutions in Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC).”
Ends –
For further information, please contact:
Triple Private Equity
Mads Hansen
Managing & Founding Partner
M: +44 7557 973 700
mads.hansen@triple.pe
Ben Shepherd
Founding Partner
M: +44 7968 255 242
ben.shepherd@triple.pe
