SPECIALIST private credit manager Global Credit Investments is taking its business to the next level the appointment former Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse investment banker Ben Skilbeck as CEO.
Skilbeck brings 28 years’ experience in the financial markets, joining from PM Capital where he most recently served as CEO. Prior to that, he was CEO and Managing Director at Rismark International for seven years. He has also held senior roles at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, where he was a Vice President and Director, respectively, working across both Australian and US markets.
GCI co-founders Gavin Solsky and Steven Sher they will be working with Skilbeck closely on the overarching strategy and implementation effort for GCI’s business.
“We are excited to announce Ben’s appointment as Chief Executive of GCI. Ten years ago, we saw an opportunity to leverage our investment and entrepreneurial backgrounds to create a private credit offering capable of supporting businesses in ways that traditional banks could not. Over the past decade, we have established a strong track record as a trusted partner in the Australian and New Zealand private credit sector with both borrowers and investors, which includes having never experienced a negative return month since inception.
“With a high calibre career history and shared vision for GCI’s future, we’re confident that Ben is the right person to advance GCI. His broad experience offers a perspective that complements our own differentiated approach and allows us to focus on the investment strategy and decision making required to continue to generate exceptional risk-return outcomes for our investors,” they said.
Skilbeck said now is an exciting time for the Australian and New Zealand private credit sector.
“Higher interest rates and stricter lending conditions have intensified pressure on borrowers, underscoring the need for alternative and innovative financing solutions. GCI’s dedication to providing flexible funding for borrowers while delivering strong returns for investors is central to meeting the increasing demand evidenced within these two markets.
“I am thrilled to join the business and play an integral role in its next phase, building on the entrepreneurial approach that has been instrumental to GCI’s success in this sector,” he concluded.
