Vanquis Banking Group has named John Natalizia as its new chief executive, completing the leadership change announced in September. The Bradford-based specialist lender said on Wednesday 11 November that the appointment is subject to regulatory approval and that Natalizia will join the Board with immediate effect.

Natalizia succeeds Ian McLaughlin, who has now left the business and stepped down from the Board, effective 10 November 2026. McLaughlin announced on 11 September that he intended to step down as chief executive for personal reasons by no later than the end of the year, and the Board then ran what it described as a comprehensive and rigorous search for his successor.

From Snoop founder to Vanquis chief

Natalizia joined Vanquis in July 2023 when the group acquired the money-management app Snoop, which he co-founded. He has been a member of the Group Executive Committee since then and was appointed deputy chief executive in April 2026, with executive responsibility for the group's product offerings and for technology and change delivery, including the Gateway transformation programme.

He has more than 25 years of banking experience, including senior commercial, digital, operational and transformation roles at Virgin Money and MBNA. At Virgin Money he was responsible for building, migrating and launching the bank's credit card business, and at MBNA he led the strategic transformation of its credit card division.

Focus on execution and responsible lending

Sir Peter Estlin, Vanquis chairman, said Natalizia brought extensive experience and a deep understanding of the bank and its customers. "The Board believes John has the required experience, commercial focus and understanding of the business needed to lead Vanquis in its next phase, with a clear focus on disciplined execution, and delivering shareholder value," he said.

Natalizia said it was a privilege to be asked to lead the group. "I know the business well and believe strongly in the role we play serving customers whose needs are not always well met by mainstream providers," he said. "My priority is firmly on execution, with a clear emphasis on serving our customers responsibly, particularly as they navigate the current cost-of-living pressures on household finances." Vanquis shares were little changed at about 43p in morning trading in London on Wednesday.