Meet our team

Liesl Knox
Chief Executive Officer
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Liesl Knox
Chief Executive Officer

Liesl is a qualified lawyer with 25+ years’ experience in banking and financial services and has held numerous senior in-house roles in large international banks and NZ financial institutions. Liesl has specialised in setting up and leading commercial and strategically focused legal teams, with her roles expanding into enterprise and credit risk, and people and operations. Liesl joined Avanti in 2019 and commenced as CEO Australia in March 2023.

Brad Lang
Group Chief Financial Officer
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Brad Lang
Group Chief Financial Officer

Brad Lang joined Avanti Finance as Group CFO in May 2025. With extensive experience in finance, strategy, and corporate acquisitions including 12 years at Partners Life, he will oversee the Finance team, bringing broad leadership experience and strategic insight.

Ben Anderson
Chief Risk Officer
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Ben Anderson
Chief Risk Officer

Ben joined Avanti Finance in 2024, he has extensive banking experience from frontline and risk roles at ANZ and ASB across New Zealand and the Pacific. His expertise includes Operational Risk and Compliance, Financial Risk, and Credit Risk management across retail, small business, and commercial sectors.

Paul Jamieson
Group Treasurer
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Paul Jamieson
Group Treasurer

Paul has worked in banking and financial markets in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK for 20+ years. Paul started his professional career as an Economist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, before moving into financial markets in London. He has also worked at Deutsche Bank, UBS, Moody’s, and hummgroup (previously Flexigroup) in a range of analytical and leadership roles. Paul’s specialties are in securitisation/structured finance and treasury. Paul joined in 2019.

Mena Eskander
Chief Technology Officer
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Mena Eskander
Chief Technology Officer

Mena started his first technology business in 2001 and is one of the co-founders of Limelight Software and Motorcentral. He has a deep understanding of technology and how it can be utilised to create value for people and business.

Tracy Pennell
General Manager Strategic Projects
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Tracy Pennell
General Manager Strategic Projects

Tracy joined Avanti in 2023 and has 20 years of experience within the banking and finance sectors in New Zealand and Australia. Tracy has extensive experience in strategy, business transformation and product management.

Tony Farnell
National Sales Manager
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Tony Farnell
National Sales Manager

Tony has more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector. Prior to joining Branded Financial Services in 2011, he held numerous roles within banking and finance companies operating in Australia and New Zealand. He has extensive experience in captive automotive finance, start-ups, banking, and dealer, broker, and aggregated distribution channels. Tony is passionate about developing strong business relationships and delivering results to our customers and alliance partners.

Jessica Vozzo
Head of Customer Interactions
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Jessica Vozzo
Head of Customer Interactions

Jess joined Branded Financial Services in 2024 and leads the Customer Service and Collections teams. With a strong background in customer operations, arrears management and process optimisation, she plays a key role in enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency.

Matthew Craig
Head of Lending Operations
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Matthew Craig
Head of Lending Operations

Matthew joined Branded Financial Services in 2025, bringing 25 years of experience within retail and mutual banking and fintech sectors, with expertise in leadership, sales, operations, product and project management. At BFS, he leads credit, settlements, accreditations, and sales support – driving efficient, customer-focused lending operations to enhance the experience for both our customers and business partners.

Leigh Walker
Head of Wholesale
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Leigh Walker
Head of Wholesale

Leigh joined BFS in 2023, with 20 years’ experience in banking and finance, including roles at St. George, Westpac and Angle Auto Finance. Leigh has a Bachelor of Business from Edith Cowan University and has experience in all aspects of auto finance.

Contact us

If you have a question, please check out our frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t there, or you need to get in touch with us, please fill in this form.

Disclaimer
Approved applicants only. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Finance issued by Branded Financial Services Pty Limited ABN 27 004 013 334
Australian credit licence 392188

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