Press Release: For immediate release 26 September 2022
Quoted Companies Alliance announces new Chief Executive
The Quoted Companies Alliance is delighted to announce the appointment of James Ashton as its next Chief Executive.
James is a financial journalist and commentator who has covered UK business, technology and the economy over many years.
He succeeds the QCA’s current Chief Executive, Tim Ward, on October 31.
Adam McConkey, Chair of the QCA, said:
“Following a wide-ranging search process, we are delighted that James Ashton has agreed to join the QCA as our next CEO. James brings a wide range of skills and experience which is ideally suited to the influencing, informing and interaction agenda that the QCA follows so effectively on behalf of small and mid-sized quoted companies.
“In recent years James has been generous in his time hosting and chairing events on behalf of the QCA. We are excited we have found someone of James’ calibre and commitment who can hit the ground running with our very busy policy agenda, at a time when publicly listed UK smaller companies have such an important contribution to make to the UK economically, socially, and regionally.”
James Ashton, incoming Chief Executive of the QCA, said:
“It is a great honour to take on this demanding role. I’ve known and admired the QCA for several years and can’t wait to get started, building on Tim Ward’s formidable legacy and leading the talented team.
“The public markets have been underappreciated for some time but I believe they can be the best place for companies to source the funds to grow, operate transparently and distribute wealth, fairly. I look forward to championing this vital part of the UK economy.”
Tim Ward, current Chief Executive of the QCA, said:
“I am very pleased that James Ashton will be taking over as CEO. He understands our cause very well and I look forward to seeing him guide the QCA through its next stage of growth.”
– Ends –
James Ashton – Biography:
James Ashton is a financial journalist and commentator. He was City Editor of the Evening Standard, the Independent titles and the Sunday Times, as well as the Sunday Telegraph’s Questor investment columnist.
James has written two business books, FTSE: The Inside Story and The Nine Types of Leader, with a third due out next year.
He is also a non-executive director of the FTSE 250 investment trust, Finsbury Growth & Income, and chairs Oscar’s Book Prize, the annual search for the UK’s best picture book.
Notes to the Editor:
James Ashton will join the QCA as Chief Executive on October 31, working with Tim Ward to ensure a smooth transition. Tim informed the QCA board in May 2022 of his intention to retire after 13 years. The board and executive search consultancy Norman Broadbent conducted the search.
Contact
Ruby Halabi
Communications Officer, The Quoted Companies Alliance
E: ruby.halabi@theqca.com
T: 020 7397 8140
About the QCA
The Quoted Companies Alliance brings small and mid-sized quoted companies together to build one voice to help create an environment where these businesses can grow and deliver sustainable long-term benefits for investors and wider society.
We believe that our members have huge potential, but they need a public market environment conducive to growth to allow them to attain it. We enable this environment by influencing policy and regulation, informing our members through surveys, research and guides and creating interaction through workshops, webinars, networking events and exclusive meetings.
Our members are quoted on the Main Market, AIM and the Aquis Stock Exchange. Informed by our seven Expert Groups, we campaign to ensure that regulation is proportionate and encourages growth, whilst maintaining the necessary protections for investors.
Find out more at www.theqca.com/about-us/
