EU Federation for the Factoring and Commercial Finance Industry

Chairman (2009) : JOHN GIELEN, Independent

John Gielen has 35 years experience as a banker. He was General Manager of Bank Brussels Lambert and ING Bank since 1987 in Luxemburg, Brussels and Paris. He was chosen to Chair the "Cercle des Banques étrangères" in France from 1995 to 2003. His experience in factoring started in 1975 when he entered the Board of International Factor Belgium. He chaired this Board from 1990 to 2007. He was also Board member of IFG from 2002 to 2009, and chaired IFG in 2007-2008.

He was elected Independent Chairman of the EUF when it was founded in May 2009. John has graduated Solvay Business School (Brussels Free University-1965). He is also a member of the Board of the "Institut néerlandais", the Dutch Cultural Center in Paris.

Vice-Chairman (2009) : Kate SHARP, ABFA

Kate Sharp has been CEO of the ABFA for 6 years. She has over 30 years experience in the Financial Services industry, over 17 of which have been in the Asset Based Finance industry. She began her career in finance in 1972 at Lloyds Bank, moving into invoice finance in 1989 with Lloyds International Factors. For the next 10 years Kate undertook a number of senior managerial roles.

Kate moved from Lloyds to RBIF and subsequently to Highams Business Solutions where she provided industry expertise, and consultancy to clients across Europe, in America, Australia and South Africa. She joined the Factors and Discounters Association (now Asset Based Finance Association) as Chief Executive Officer in 2003.

Kate is an honorary fellow of the ICM.

EUF Coordinator: John BREHCIST, Independent

John Brehcist of roundwindow consultancy services provides independent strategic advice to CEOs and boards of Invoice Finance and ABL businesses.

He is  a writer and presenter on a range of Industry matters. With more than twenty five years experience, he is strongly committed to the development and growth of the global industry and is delighted to be working with the EUF team.

John has an MA from Oxford University and an MBA from Warwick Business School.