Leasing Foundation strengthens board with two new appointments

The Leasing Foundation has appointed Lauren Rhodes and Charlotte Downing to its board, further strengthening its leadership team as the organisation continues to focus on developing talent, advancing inclusion and creating opportunities across the asset finance sector.

The appointments reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the industry through its key workstreams, with both leaders bringing extensive experience and a strong track record of championing professional development and diversity.

Currently Head of Commercial Performance at MSP Capital, she brings more than a decade of experience across asset finance and specialist lending and has been a long-standing advocate for talent development, mentoring and industry engagement.

Charlotte has played an active role in the Leasing Foundation for several years, taking part in both the inaugural Industry Insights Programme and the Foundation’s first 30 Under 30 cohort. She also co-leads The Network, a community supporting women working across the asset finance and alternative lending sectors.

Commercial Director at Close Brothers, Lauren has built a career spanning more than a decade in asset finance and has become a respected advocate for inclusion, career progression and talent development.

In her new role, Lauren will help shape the Foundation’s wider EDI strategy while placing particular emphasis on improving social mobility, an area she believes should play a greater role in the industry’s inclusion agenda.

“Both have already demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting people and helping our industry grow. Lauren brings a powerful perspective on social mobility and inclusion, while Charlotte has long been a champion of developing future talent. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow our EDI and NextGen activities and create opportunities for people across the sector.”