Industry powerhouse named SmartSearch CEO

Phil Cotter takes the reins following an introduction by major SmartSearch investor, Triple Private Equity.

Phil Cotter

Digital compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) solutions provider, SmartSearch, has appointed Phil Cotter as CEO following the exit of Guy Harrison.

Having held senior positions at the London Stock Exchange Group, Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, and Experian, Phil Cotter brings a wealth of compliance, risk, and leadership expertise to the role.

This follows the completion of a majority investment by Triple Private Equity, which took the opportunity to help SmartSearch accelerate the talent search by making the introduction.

Phil has been working as an external advisor to Triple and has worked with Triple’s Founding Partner, Ben Shepherd, for several years prior. He will work with the existing executive team, to drive sustained growth in the firm’s stronghold professional services markets, while also expanding its sales across all regulated sectors.

Perfectly positioned

Phil Cotter, CEO of SmartSearch, said: “SmartSearch is at the cutting edge in the digital compliance market, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to join this growing business. Organisations in regulated industries need to ensure they remain compliant in the markets within which they operate, while also keeping their customers safe from fraud and money laundering. These two challenges are intrinsically linked, and SmartSearch is perfectly positioned to help businesses rise to the task. I look forward to leading the organisation during this next period of growth.”

Martin Cheek
Martin Cheek, SmartSearch

Martin Cheek, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SmartSearch, said: “SmartSearch was born to help protect people and businesses from money laundering and fraud. This remains at the heart of our business. Now, with this significant investment from Triple and the vast industry expertise Phil Cotter brings to the role, I look forward to making it even easier for our customers to stay compliant, while going even further to protect them from money laundering and fraud.”

Outgoing CEO, Guy Harrison, departs the business which has delivered 20% annual growth between 2020 and 2023, to take up a new position with the respect and appreciation of the Board.


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