FW Capital bolsters senior leadership team

A regional fund manager has strengthened its senior leadership team with two promotions supporting its continued growth across England.

FW Capital has appointed Joanne Whitfield as managing director in England, while Lindsey McMenamin has been promoted to fund director, leading teams across the North East and Yorkshire.

Joanne joined FW Capital as its first employee in England in 2010 and has played a central role in the organisation’s growth over the past 16 years.

In the newly created role, she will lead its strategy and growth across England, overseeing fund delivery, stakeholder engagement and new investment opportunities.

Joanne will work alongside Rhian Elston, chief investment officer for the Development Bank of Wales Group and chief executive of FW Capital, following the retirement of Mike Owen.

She said: “It is a privilege to lead FW Capital’s operations in England. 

“Over the past 16 years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional team, and I am proud of the impact we have delivered. 

“I look forward to working with Rhian and Lindsey to build on that success, expand opportunities and help even more businesses access the finance they need. 

“The work we do makes a tangible difference to businesses, communities and regional economies, and I’m deeply committed to supporting that growth.”

Newcastle-based Lindsey steps up to fund director after almost a decade with FW Capital and 25 years working in SME fund management.

She will lead investment and portfolio teams across the North East and Yorkshire, with responsibility for supporting fund delivery and economic impact.

Lindsey added: “I’m looking forward to leading our North East and Yorkshire teams and helping ambitious businesses access the finance and expertise they need to grow, innovate and create high-quality jobs. 

“FW Capital has a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for stakeholders, built on an outstanding culture and a focus on customer service. 

“The regional investment funds we manage play a vital role in unlocking opportunities and breaking down barriers to growth, and I’m excited to work alongside our talented teams to help even more businesses realise their ambitions.”

FW Capital, part of the Development Bank of Wales Group, currently manages a portfolio of nine funds across England.

Since 2010, it has invested more than £400 million, leveraging more than £590 million of private sector investment for almost 1000 businesses.

The wider Development Bank of Wales Group manages funds worth more than £2.6 billion.

Rhian added: “Joanne and Lindsey’s well-deserved appointments strengthen FW Capital’s leadership team as we look to the next phase of growth. 

“As part of the Development Bank of Wales Group, FW Capital combines deep regional knowledge with the scale and expertise of one of the UK’s largest SME investors, helping us deliver more for our fund investors and the ambitious businesses that we support.”

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