Arbuthnot Commercial ABL names Kevin Craven Commercial Director

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ABL) has announced the appointment of Kevin Craven as its new Commercial Director, effective 5 January.

Craven brings more than 30 years’ experience in receivables finance and asset-based lending, with a strong track record in origination, complex deal structuring, credit and leadership. In his new role, he will lead the national new business team at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL, supporting the firm’s next phase of growth and development.

He succeeds Andrew Rutherford, co-founder and Commercial Director, who will retire at the end of January after playing a central role in establishing and building the business.

Kevin joins Arbuthnot Commercial ABL from Metro Bank, where he spent nine years as Director of Invoice Finance. His previous senior roles include positions at HSBC, Bibby Financial Services, Barclays Bank and GE Capital Commercial Finance.

Commenting on his appointment, Kevin Craven said: “I’m excited to take up my new role at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL. After more than 30 years in the sector, I wanted to work with a team I’ve long admired. I know many of the team already, from James Shaw in the ABL business to colleagues across the wider bank, and I’m excited to focus my career here and contribute to the next stage of growth.

“From my conversations with Tim Hawkins and Andrew Rutherford, it was clear we share the same relationship-focused approach. The culture, the proposition and the calibre of people place Arbuthnot at the forefront of the industry. I’m particularly looking forward to the opportunity to specialise in areas that are really fulfilling, building and leading the origination team, structuring transactions, and working closely with clients to deliver funding solutions that genuinely support their ambitions.”

Tim Hawkins, Managing Director of Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending, said Kevin’s appointment coincides with the eighth anniversary of the launch of the business.

“Kevin is very well known and highly regarded in the market, and his experience, enthusiasm and deep connections across the industry make him the obvious choice. We look forward to working together and to announcing exciting new product developments and initiatives in the months ahead.”

Reflecting on Andrew Rutherford’s retirement, Hawkins added: “Andrew and I have worked together for 26 years, and during that time we’ve had the privilege of backing some extraordinary businesses and building something truly enduring. We’ve been through three ‘once in a lifetime’ events – the global financial crisis, Brexit, and COVID – and supported clients through these challenging periods. None of this would have been possible without Andrew’s leadership and of course our colleagues and advisers who have worked with us over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their support.”

“Looking ahead, as we reflect on the legacy we have built with Andrew, we are excited about the next chapter for Arbuthnot Commercial ABL. With Kevin joining the team, we will continue to evolve our proposition, explore new opportunities and deliver funding solutions that enable our clients to achieve their growth aspirations.”