Black & White Bridging make key appointments and move to C-Suite structure… 👏

Key appointments mark our transition to a new C-Suite structure.

Black & White Bridging make key appointments and move to C-Suite structure… 👏

Black & White Bridging has made some key appointments as well as moving to a C-Suite structure effective from April 2025! Damien Druce, a key member of the leadership team, will transition into the newly established role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Martyn Smith to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). John Bigwood will be joining as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) . John brings extensive sector-specific experience and a forward-thinking approach to financial management, with a particular focus on modernising processes through technology and driving efficiency. Additionally, David Tropp has been appointed Chief Investment Officer (CIO) , reflecting Black & White’s commitment to strategic capital deployment and market expansion. Black & White Bridging has also added Aurora Baja and Toyin Ibrahim-Igbo to the newly formed Asset Management Team, led by Chief Investment Officer, David Tropp . The short-term finance provider says the new appointments will help it refine its lending and

Why It Matters

portfolio strategy and processes, as well as manage its risk appetite. Aurora joins B&W following almost three years at Simple Bridging UK, where she worked as an Operations Manager. Aurora previously helped scale a lender from a £5 million portfolio to one of over £20 million, leading on process optimisation, compliance, risk management, and team development. Aurora will be responsible for everything between post completion and redemption of a loan, reporting into CFO David Tropp but also working closely alongside Chief Operating Officer, Damien Druce, to improve operational efficiency. On joining B&W she said: “Whether it’s launching new products, refining workflows, or ensuring investor funds are safeguarded, I’m all about making operations smoother, smarter, and more profitable. I can’t wait to get started and add to the company’s growth in

How It Applies

the coming years.” Toyin brings almost 25 years of credit risk experience to the role, having worked in a number of credit and real estate positions. He joins from Alternative Bridging Corporation, where he spent nine years as an asset manager, managing a portfolio of development, commercial and regulated bridging and term mortgages worth circa £300 million, from completion throughout the life of the loans. Toyin will also report into David Tropp and be responsible for checking conditions, chasing repayments and will act as the main

Key Takeaway

point of contact for the borrower after completion until the loan is fully redeemed. Toyin added: “I’m very pleased to be joining B&W during this stage of the company’s journey. I’ve seen the business flourish from afar, and the team’s vision impressed me. I’m looking forward to adding to B&W’s output and ultimately, assisting borrowers with their loans.” Damien Druce, B&W’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

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Black & White Bridging make key appointments and move to C-Suite structure… 👏