Centeca appoints Jesper With-Fogstrup as Group CEO

Automotive commerce platform Centeca has appointed Jesper With-Fogstrup as Group CEO, bringing extensive experience in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-led business growth.

Jesper With-Fogstrup succeeds co-founder Lee Streets, who will move into the role of Group Chair after leading the business through its transformation from a motor finance brokerage into a wider automotive commerce technology group. Both appointments are subject to FCA approval.

Previously known as Evolution Funding Group, Centeca combines automotive finance, digital retail and compliance technology, supporting more than 5,500 transacting retailers and facilitating over £6.5bn in annual platform loan advances.

Its portfolio of brands includes Evolution Funding, Click Dealer, Motion Finance, Creditas Financial Solutions and Automotive Compliance.

With-Fogstrup joins Centeca following senior leadership roles across financial services, fintech and technology businesses. Most recently, he was Group CEO of Moneypenny, where he oversaw the introduction of AI-powered voice agents and receptionists alongside the company’s existing services.

Previously, as CEO of property technology company Smoove, he led its digital transformation, delivering 37% revenue growth before its sale to PEXA.

His earlier career includes senior positions at HSBC, where he was Managing Director and Global Head of Digital as a Channel, overseeing digital services for 38 million customers across 16 markets, and at Compare the Market, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director.

The leadership changes come as Centeca continues to develop its proprietary automotive commerce platform, bringing together finance, retail, compliance and data capabilities, with an increasing focus on AI-enabled solutions.

The group’s recent innovations include Dealer in a Box, an integrated digital commerce, automotive finance and compliance proposition, and Click Dealer’s ChatGPT car-search app, which directs buyers to dealers’ own websites.

Lee Streets said: “For more than 20 years, we have challenged how automotive finance works, developing technology that has moved the industry forward. In that time, we have grown from a single business into a group of specialist brands to create a unique automotive commerce proposition.

“Jesper’s appointment is part of that continuing journey. His extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of technology-led growth will help us build on our achievements and deliver our vision faster.”

Streets will remain closely involved in the business, supporting With-Fogstrup and the wider leadership team in delivering Centeca’s long-term strategy.

With-Fogstrup said: “Customer expectations are shaped by the digital services they use every day, whether that’s booking an Uber in a few taps or using ChatGPT to research a purchase. They bring those expectations of convenience and simplicity to buying a car, too. That is a significant opportunity for Centeca.

“Lee and the team have built a business with the capability to turn that ambition into reality. I’m excited about how much further we can go together: making the journey from finding a vehicle to arranging finance simpler, with technology that makes the whole process work better for everyone involved.”

Centeca’s growth over the past six years has been supported by investment from LDC and subsequently Carlyle’s Europe Technology Partners V fund, alongside acquisitions that have expanded its technology and automotive finance capabilities.