Mark will take over from Melanie Johnson who announced earlier this year her intention not to seek a further term as Chair.

Mark brings a wealth of experience in both public and private sectors, with a strong background in financial and regulatory arenas. Following a career in politics as Member of Parliament for Fareham where he held ministerial roles as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister of State for Employment, he has spent the last five years working at Board level in highly regulated organisations including Flood Re, the Jersey Financial Services Commission and the London Stock Exchange.

Mark will take up his post on 1 November 2020 for a three-year term.

Mark commented on his appointment:

“I am delighted to be nominated as Chair of Pay.UK at this critical time. The public depends on us to operate the payment systems in a way in which users can trust, and this is currently more important than ever before. The New Payments Architecture is a flagship project that will enable more choice and benefits for every person and every business when they make a payment. This is part of a set of developments to enable wider access, competition and innovation, all built on a platform of robust and resilient operations. This will future-proof the UK retail payments infrastructure and I am looking forward to playing my role in this evolution.”

Chief Executive Officer Paul Horlock said:

“It is fantastic to welcome Mark to the Pay.UK Board at such a crucial time in our journey. Mark’s experience of transformation, risk and technology will be invaluable in providing strategic oversight and leading us forward to further embed our position in leading rules, standards and delivery in the field of retail payments systems operation. We look forward to working with Mark to deliver and protect the critical national infrastructure and in turn support the UK economy.”

Speaking of the appointment, Chair of the Pay.UK Board Melanie Johnson said:

“It has been a great honour to lead this organisation over the last three years. I have overseen the evolution of Pay.UK from its days as the New Payment System Operator, and the consolidation of four separate payment organisations, and several payment services, to the vibrant organisation it is today - providing crucial services that affect everyone every day.

“I am grateful for the support of my Board and colleagues over the last few years and thank them for their dedication.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mark, who brings valuable new perspectives and will lead Pay.UK through the challenge of the New Payments Architecture and beyond.”