BFS Capital Names Brian Simmons as Chief Operating Officer

BFS Capital, a leader in small business lending, today announced the appointment of Brian Simmons as Chief Operating Officer. Simmons will join the executive team reporting to the company’s CEO Mark Ruddock.

Simmons comes to BFS Capital with more than 15 years of experience scaling venture-backed companies across North America, Europe and Africa. Before joining BFS Capital he held senior leadership roles at several hospitality, automotive and financial services companies.

At BFS Capital, Simmons will oversee efforts to transform all lead-loan operational processes, focusing on both efficiency and effectiveness as the company transitions to a fully digital-enabled lending platform. He will also be responsible for international expansion plans and provide support for operations in the UK and Canada.

“BFS Capital is focused on giving our small business customers and partners the best possible financial services experience. Brian, who I have known for many years, brings strong leadership in digital transformation, extensive know-how in consumer credit products, and an entrepreneurial spirit to round out our executive team.” said Mark Ruddock, CEO, BFS Capital.

Simmons most recently served as co-founder and COO of Tursas Enterprises, a hospitality business whose assets include the International Axe Throwing Federation. Earlier, he was head of product at Wonga Digital Finance and held executive roles at Openlane, a B2B digital automotive marketplace that was acquired by Adesa Inc. 2011. He attended the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College in Ontario, where he received a Bachelor of Applied Business.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mark in the past and know he’s a first-rate leader wherever he goes, making the choice to join BFS Capital a compelling one. I’m excited to help Mark and the company usher in new digital processes that bring improved transparency and a seamless new customer experience to the small business lending space,” Simmons said.

BFS Capital has been rapidly growing its executive team with Simmons marking the second C-level hire this year. In May, BFS Capital appointed Fred Kauber as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer. Mark Ruddock joined BFS Capital last November.

To learn more, please visit BFSCapital.com.