Alternative finance provider Platform Black has appointed Andrew Howard to the board as operations director.

Howard has been with the company for three years. His 25-year career in the asset-based lending market includes roles at Pacific Invoice Finance, Lock International Factors, Scottish Pacific Business Finance and AGC Finance in New Zealand, covering areas including invoice finance, spot factoring, supply chain finance, trade finance, dealer finance and consumer lending.

His appointment follows a period of renewed focus by Platform Black on credit risk and processes, introduced 18 months ago and aimed at delivering a “transparent and professional service to its investors and clients”, according to a statement issued by the company.

The company has enjoyed a solid 12 months with zero defaults against a turnover of £44mn. “Andrew was integral to the building of Platform Black’s zero-default profile and his appointment is testament to the excellent risk and operational management that Andrew has been instrumental in delivering to the business during that time,” the statement continues.

Caroline Langron, managing director of Platform Black, comments on the move: “Having successfully built and managed operational and risk teams and processes in this space, he is adept at making difficult and calculated decisions by balancing risk against reward. As a business we are growing solidly and, most importantly, demonstrating to our investors that we are considered in our due diligence, providing them with comfort that we are a responsible and safe firm to work with.  As such, it is a pleasure to be able to reward Andrew’s dedication and solid performance with this board position.”