Open Banking Implementation Entity Appoints Henk Van Hulle as New CEO

The Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE) has announced the appointment of Henk Van Hulle as the organisation's first Chief Executive Officer. The creation of this new position was recognised in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)'s recently published updated governance arrangements for the OBIE, as part of a package of changes that deliver a strong and effective governance and management framework for the organisation.

Mr Van Hulle joins from Post Office Ltd, where he had more than nine years' experience in senior roles in innovation, including Managing Director of Digital Services and as Deputy CEO, Financial Services and Telecoms.

Mr Van Hulle brings a wealth of experience and is a proven business leader with a strong consumer focus. He has expertise in building and managing profitable businesses, both blue chip and start-ups, particularly in financial services, e-business, and information technology firms.

Mr Van Hulle's appointment further strengthens the leadership and governance of the OBIE. Towards the end of 2021 two independent non-executive directors, Barbara Ridpath and Jeremy Newman, were appointed to the OBIE Board. Both have already had a significant impact on strengthening the governance of the organisation in terms of their respective expertise and the independent scrutiny and oversight they provide.

As CEO, Mr Van Hulle will lead the OBIE executive team and provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership. He will work closely with the Chair and Trustee, Charlotte Crosswell, as well as the Executive Committee and Board to deliver and refine OBIE's mission, as well as having primary responsibility for leading company operations and driving its overall strategy.

The OBIE has also appointed a new People and HR Director, Debbie Lombard. Mrs Lombard will focus on developing the OBIE's people proposition, and will lead on enhancing HR practices and workplace culture, ensuring these are fully understood and adopted across the organisation.