The Quoted Companies Alliance today announces that James Ashton will step down as Chief Executive after almost four years leading the organisation.
James will remain in post until the autumn and will work with the QCA Board and team to ensure a smooth transition. From 28 September, the QCA Chair, Sangita Shah, will become Executive Chair while the Board continues the process of appointing James’s successor.
James joined the QCA in 2022, bringing extensive experience as a financial journalist, commentator and author. During his tenure, the QCA has strengthened its voice and visibility on behalf of the UK’s small and mid-sized quoted companies, expanding its engagement with members, policymakers, regulators, investors and the wider public markets ecosystem.
The QCA has continued to champion the role of public markets in supporting growth, transparency and wider participation in the success of British business. Its work spans policy and regulation, corporate governance, research, member engagement, events and practical support for company directors and advisers.
Sangita Shah, Chair of the QCA said:
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank James for his leadership, energy and commitment to the QCA and its members.
“James has been a powerful champion for small and mid-sized quoted companies at a time when the UK’s public markets have faced significant scrutiny and change. He has helped strengthen the QCA’s voice, broaden its reach and ensure our members’ interests are heard clearly by policymakers, regulators, investors and the media.
“We are grateful that James will continue to lead the organisation through the coming months and support a smooth handover.”
James Ashton, Chief Executive of the QCA said:
“Leading the QCA has been a great honour. After almost four years, I have decided it is the right time to step down and prepare for a new challenge.
“The small and mid-sized quoted companies the QCA represents are a vital part of the UK economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, invest across the country and give investors the chance to share in their growth. Championing them has been energising, fascinating and hugely rewarding.
“I am proud of what the team has achieved since 2022. The QCA has grown in reach, reputation and resilience, and is better placed to make our members’ case powerfully to government, regulators, investors and the media.
“I am immensely grateful to the Board, the team, our members and the many people across the public markets ecosystem who support our work.”
Ends
Notes to editors
The Quoted Companies Alliance champions the UK’s community of small and mid-sized quoted companies and the firms that advise them.
The QCA works to help create an environment where these businesses can grow and deliver long-term benefits for investors and wider society. It does this through policy and regulatory engagement, research, guidance, events, networking and member support.
James Ashton became Chief Executive of the QCA in 2022. He was previously City Editor and Executive Editor of the Evening Standard and Independent titles, City Editor of the Sunday Times and Questor investment columnist at the Sunday Telegraph. He is the author of several business books, a non-executive director of the FTSE 250 investment trust Finsbury Growth & Income and a trustee of the reading charity Coram Beanstalk.
For further information, please contact:
Ruby Halabi, Communications Manager
t: 020 7397 8140
