It follows major investment by Triple Private Equity
Compliance software provider SmartSearch has appointed Phil Cotter (pictured) as its new chief executive officer.
The announcement follows a majority investment by Triple Private Equity, aimed at bolstering SmartSearch’s growth. The investment, which is the first from Triple’s inaugural Fund I, was initially revealed last month.
Cotter, who has extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and leadership, previously held senior roles at notable organisations including the London Stock Exchange Group, Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, and Experian. He steps into the role following the departure of outgoing CEO Guy Harrison, who has decided to pursue a new opportunity closer to his home.
Triple Private Equity facilitated Cotter’s appointment by leveraging its connections during the talent search. Cotter had previously collaborated with Triple’s founding partner, Ben Shepherd, and served as an external advisor to Triple.
See LinkedIn post here.
In his new position, Cotter aims to drive growth in SmartSearch’s core professional services markets and expand sales across all regulated sectors.
“SmartSearch is at the cutting edge in the digital compliance market, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to join this growing business,” Cotter said. “Organisations in regulated industries need to ensure they remain compliant in the markets within which they operate, while also keeping their customers safe from fraud and money laundering.
“These two challenges are intrinsically linked, and SmartSearch is perfectly positioned to help businesses rise to the task. I look forward to leading the organisation during this next period of growth.”
Martin Cheek, co-founder and managing director of SmartSearch, expressed his enthusiasm about the new investment and Cotter’s appointment.
“SmartSearch was born to help protect people and businesses from money laundering and fraud. This remains at the heart of our business,” Cheek said. “Now, with this significant investment from Triple and the vast industry expertise Phil Cotter brings to the role, I look forward to making it even easier for our customers to stay compliant, while going even further to protect them from money laundering and fraud.”
Shepherd commented: “SmartSearch’s market-leading product and services and exemplary approach to customers has made it a category leader in the UK with significant customer traction and led by a great team.
“It’s great to be able to work with Phil again, and he’s undoubtedly the right leader to take SmartSearch to the next stage of their growth.”
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