Ian Coles
Managing Director
Ian Coles has over 30 years of experience in the payments business, with specialist knowledge in credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, store cards, point-of-sale finance and unsecured personal loans.
Ian started his career with a US consumer finance provider where he worked for 12 years. Initially leading technology and operational areas, Ian spent the final 8 years in senior marketing and commercial positions, launching several major (multi-million card) co-brand programs in the UK, including the GM Card, Goldfish, John Lewis Partnership Card & marbles.
Ian joined Mastercard in 2002 spending 6 years leading one of their largest and most successful Global Key Account teams.
In 2007 Ian joined Santander as member of its UK Executive Team to lead the launch of its new credit card business. Following the acquisition by Santander of GE Money in 2009, Ian was appointed Chief Marketing Officer and led product development, customer acquisition, portfolio management and analytics activity. In 2010 Ian was appointed Commercial Director, assuming full responsibility for the credit card P&L, managing more than 8 million customers with receivables of more than $6 billion and over 12 major co-brand partnerships.
Since 2012 Ian has enjoyed much success as an independent consultant, with numerous engagements in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, together with an interim ‘Head of Cards’ role at the Bank of Ireland.
Ian specialises in helping issuers improve the performance of their debit, credit, prepaid portfolios having practical subject matter expertise in the following areas:
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Customer value proposition development
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Product profitability
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Customer segmentation
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Product sales and distribution
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Portfolio management
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Portfolio conversions
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Customer value management
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Product and customer pricing
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Portfolio profitability & P&L optimisation
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Co-brand & partnership program negotiation