Philipou’s appointment means that the regulatory body once more boasts a full complement of executive directors, following the review in December 2014 of its strategy, priorities and ways of working.
Currently acting director for enforcement and market oversight, Philipou will take up the role in November, making way for Mark Steward to come in as director of enforcement and market oversight. Philipou took up the role in December, when current acting CEO, Tracey McDermott moved out of it to take up the position of director of supervision – investment, wholesale and specialists.
Steward’s arrival was announced in June when he left his role as head of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission’s (SFC) enforcement division.
Philipou has more than 20 years’ experience of UK regulation, joining one of the FCA’s predecessors, the Securities and Investments Board, as her first role in the regulatory space following stints as an investment analyst within a stock broker and then an investment bank.
According to the FCA, she was director of strategy and delivery in the Enforcement and Financial Crime Division, focusing on internal and external stakeholder management, referral of cases to Enforcement, operational support, digital evidence and cross Divisional strategic issues.
McDermott said of the appointment: ““As the demands on the organisation increase, it’s imperative that we prioritise effectively and use our resources in the most efficient manner. Georgina’s extensive experience and wide knowledge of the approaches of international regulators means she is well placed to know what we need to be able to perform and deliver value for money at the level expected by ourselves and by the industry.”
At the same time, the FCA announced the appointment of David Godfrey as director of finance and operations and Linda Woodall to the role of director of life insurance and financial advice.
The full executive committee now comprises:
- Acting CEO: Tracey McDermott
- COO: Georgina Philippou
- Director of enforcement and market oversight: Mark Steward
- Director of strategy and competition: Christopher Woolard
- Director of supervision – investment, wholesale and specialists: Megan Butler
- Director of supervision – retail and authorisations: Jonathan Davidson
- Director of risk and compliance oversight: Barbara Frohn
- General counsel: Sean Martin
