Simon Beckett
Managing Director Distribution Finance
Simon Beckett is the Managing Director, Distribution Finance. The organisation is the largest non-motor vehicle floor plan provider in Australia with a strong focus in the motorcycle, caravan, marine and heavy equipment industries. Distribution Finance also specializes in providing innovative import facilities for importers of heavy equipment as well providing retail products that enable dealers to provide financing options to the purchaser.
Simon’s career started with GE in Leeds, England in 1995. He first served in a variety of Risk Management roles in Europe including leading the Corporate Risk team, where he was responsible for Due Diligence and Integration across the European and Asian markets, and Chief Credit Officer for the business in Poland.
In 2000 Simon moved to Australia where he lead the Cards Portfolio Management team. Then, as VP of Strategy for the GE Money Australia business, he led a number of strategic business-wide initiatives as well as managing the strategic operating rhythm of the business. He then lead the development of financial services within the Healthcare and Veterinary industry segments in Australia, a service offered to healthcare practitioners called CareCredit.
Before joining Distribution Finance, his most recent role was as General Manager of Retail Partners, a business that provides interest free finance through over 12,000 outlets in Australia. He was responsible for the transformation of that business from a single channel, offering the GE CreditLine product, to a multi-channel model offering the Gem Visa value proposition – a card that provides 6 months interest free on any Visa transaction over $250.
Simon is also extremely passionate about Innovation – and he is currently the Chair of the Innovation Council for GE Capital Australia & New Zealand – a position held since June 2010. The goal of the Council is to embed a culture of Innovation within the business and generate growth through the nurturing of ideas.
Simon was born in London, England. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Loughborough University. He lives in Melbourne with his partner, Zed and their two children Monique and Freddie.
Simon’s career started with GE in Leeds, England in 1995. He first served in a variety of Risk Management roles in Europe including leading the Corporate Risk team, where he was responsible for Due Diligence and Integration across the European and Asian markets, and Chief Credit Officer for the business in Poland.
In 2000 Simon moved to Australia where he lead the Cards Portfolio Management team. Then, as VP of Strategy for the GE Money Australia business, he led a number of strategic business-wide initiatives as well as managing the strategic operating rhythm of the business. He then lead the development of financial services within the Healthcare and Veterinary industry segments in Australia, a service offered to healthcare practitioners called CareCredit.
Before joining Distribution Finance, his most recent role was as General Manager of Retail Partners, a business that provides interest free finance through over 12,000 outlets in Australia. He was responsible for the transformation of that business from a single channel, offering the GE CreditLine product, to a multi-channel model offering the Gem Visa value proposition – a card that provides 6 months interest free on any Visa transaction over $250.
Simon is also extremely passionate about Innovation – and he is currently the Chair of the Innovation Council for GE Capital Australia & New Zealand – a position held since June 2010. The goal of the Council is to embed a culture of Innovation within the business and generate growth through the nurturing of ideas.
Simon was born in London, England. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Loughborough University. He lives in Melbourne with his partner, Zed and their two children Monique and Freddie.
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