Meet the Team
Our entrepreneurial and creative team members are second to none. They are all well-trained to ensure our customers’ success. We are a UK-based business created to provide people in the UK access to instant money when they need it most. The list is presented in random order, showcasing everyone’s equal contribution to the group’s success.
Julie Darmudas
Compliance Director
Julie Darmudas, with over 30 years of expertise in the consumer credit industry, is a pillar of compliance and regulatory excellence. As a Certified Fellow Compliance Practitioner (FICA) and Chartered HR Practitioner (MCIPD), she crafts practical strategies that navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Julie’s extensive HR background, combined with her role as an FCA Authorised Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), ensures our operations are both efficient and deeply people-centric.
Peter Kimpton
Chief Operating Officer
Peter Kimpton, a financial virtuoso with over 20 years in the industry, joined Western Circle full-time in 2016. He designed our pioneering lending scorecard from the ground up, utilising a decision engine of his own invention. As a hands-on manager, Peter oversees all operational departments, driving efficiency and excellence. His extensive experience and strategic foresight are indispensable to our ongoing success.
Ofer Valencio Akerman
WCL Success Mastermind & Mentor
Ofer Valencio Akerman is the mastermind behind Western Circle Group’s market dominance. With a master’s degree in military strategies and a BA in Finance, Akerman’s unique blend of strategic thinking and financial expertise has allowed him to consistently outmanoeuvre even the largest conglomerates in the UK financial niche. Akerman’s passion for innovation, his unwavering commitment to effective execution, and his ability to identify and capitalise on emerging trends have made him a true game-changer in the industry. He created the WCL group business ecosystem and focused on building long lasting win-win relationships with international investors, industry leaders and strategic business partners.
Cheryl McKenzie
Underwriting Manager
Cheryl, with over 20 years in finance, manages our underwriting team, ensuring responsible and fair lending. She is known for her excellent customer service skills and adaptability. Cheryl specialises in debt management and has significant experience handling multiple priorities effectively. Her practical approach and dedication ensure our underwriting processes run smoothly and meet our high standards.
Mark Neighbour
Collections Manager
Mark has over 15 years of experience in the short fixed term loan industry, focusing on recoveries, debt management, and IVA sectors. With a background in debt receivable purchase, loan underwriting, and credit risk analysis, Mark ensures our recovery processes are efficient and customer-friendly. He manages the recovery process with accuracy, innovation, and creativity, making him an essential part of our team.
Ophir Bental
Chief Technology Officer
Ophir Bental, a Technion University graduate with over 30 years of systems development experience, has a prestigious background consulting for international giants like HP, Philips, and IBM. He spearheads our technological advancements, combining technical expertise with innovative thinking to drive pioneering initiatives that significantly enhance our business operations.
Richard Sherlock
Data Protection Manager and Compliance
Richard brings over 15 years of finance experience to Western Circle, specialising in credit compliance, collections, and underwriting. He holds a Certificate in Compliance from the ICA and is a certified GDPR Practitioner. Richard has a solid grasp of the FCA Handbook and PRINCE2 Project Management. He ensures our operations are compliant with regulatory standards and that customer data is meticulously protected.
Emma Turner
Customer Success Manager
Emma has been with Western Circle since 2018, serving as our Customer Success Manager. With a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Services from Sheffield Hallam University, Emma is an experienced administrator skilled in financial services, financial risk assessment, business relationship management, and insurance. Her robust understanding of financial services combined with a strong IT background enables her to effectively manage complaints, ensuring high customer satisfaction and continuous service improvement.
Jeremy Lloyd
Director
Jeremy Lloyd, who has been with Western Circle from the beginning, is the SMF3 Executive Director of Western Circle. As CEO, he oversees all business aspects, heads partnerships and integrations, and serves as Chief Financial Officer. Jeremy’s practical approach and hands-on involvement have been pivotal in steering the company’s steady progress and enduring success.
