Evolution Funding appoints head of consumer engagement

Evolution Funding will look to improve its consumer-facing motor finance proposition following the appointment of Kirsty Watson as head of consumer engagement.

Watson is being tasked with improving all aspects of Evolution’s consumer engagement, including an additional focus on customer-facing lead generation and finance calculators, the finance provider said in a statement.

Watson has previously facilitated technology-led transformation in customer experience in previous roles with O2 and Royal Mail Group.

She said: “Delivering innovative motor finance products and digital solutions to our dealers and their customers is core to Evolution’s vision.

“We’re looking to accelerate this, and build increased value in these relationships, by helping dealers improve engagement with their consumers using our online consumer tools.

“In the first half of 2019, we generated nearly 100,000 finance leads through calculators and eligibility checkers sat on dealer websites.

“By enhancing that process and improving the customer journey, we can help dealers to convert even more of those leads, resulting in increased vehicle sales for the dealership.”

Evolution Funding chief executive, Lee Streets, said: “We are delighted with Kirsty’s appointment and this new role will help Evolution further support our dealer partners’ increasing desires to migrate used car sales online.”

Watson’s arrival at Evolution follows the appointment of Paul Saggar as its chief innovation officer and Adam Small as its head of operations back in August.

Saggar joined the team from Capita Travel and Events, part of Capita plc, and brought over 20 years’ of CIO experience in software development, IT infrastructure, data science and digital customer experience development, while Small arrived with over 17 years’ experience from his previous role with Capital One.

The new arrivals joined the business in the same month that its claimed no fewer than four awards at the Car Finance Awards 2019.

The Chesterfield-based company was named Best Broker for the fourth consecutive year and also picked up trophies for Best Use of Technology – Risk and Compliance, Best Direct Consumer Proposition, and Best Specialist Car Finance Provider.