About us

Motor senior leadership team

Stephan Bothma, Managing Director

Stephan was appointed as Managing Director for MotoNovo Finance in January 2026. Stephan joined FirstRand Group as a graduate in 2008, starting at FNB and later moved to WesBank, before relocating to the UK in 2016 to join MotoNovo Finance.

Stephan has held a number of senior roles across Aldermore Group, including Chief Credit and Analytics Officer and Interim Chief Risk Officer for MotoNovo, and latterly, Director of Credit Risk and Regulatory Affairs for Aldermore Group.

He has significant experience in both Financial and Non-Financial Risk Management, and a strong track record in driving commercial value through the use of data and analytics.

Stephan is a qualified actuary and an Associate Member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (AMASSA) and also holds a B.Sc in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics from the University of Pretoria.

Debbie McKay, Director of Distribution

Debbie is Director of Distribution and has more than 25 years’ experience in motor finance, including almost 20 years with MotoNovo. She leads the company’s distribution strategy with responsibility for relationships with motor dealers and brokers across the UK.

During her career at MotoNovo, Debbie has held a range of senior commercial leadership roles and has helped drive significant growth, transformation and innovation across the business. Her experience spans major accounts, brokers, field sales and centralised sales, alongside operating model transformation, digital innovation and navigating significant regulatory change.

Debbie is passionate about building long-term partnerships, delivering strong customer outcomes and developing high-performing teams. She is also a committed advocate for greater female representation in the motor and financial services sectors. Debbie was named Car Finance Business Leader of the Year at Car Finance Awards in 2026, Business Leader of the Year at Women in Credit Awards in 2023 and was inducted into Credit Strategy’s Credit 500 in 2025 and 2026.

Jon Slater, Director of Strategic Delivery

Jon was appointed Director of Strategic Delivery in April 2026, bringing extensive leadership experience from across both MotoNovo and Aldermore, having originally joined the business in 2017.

With 30 years’ UK financial services experience and a background spanning strategy, marketing and commercial delivery, Jon has held a range of leadership and executive roles focused on driving growth, transformation, and business performance.

He leads commercial strategy and performance, aligning strategic priorities and delivery to drive growth, competitiveness, and strong customer outcomes. 

 

Chris Adams, Director of Pricing & Portfolio Performance

Chris was appointed Pricing & Portfolio Performance Director in January 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, including senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group.

Chris has a strong track record in developing pricing strategies and managing multi-product portfolios, with deep expertise in risk-based pricing and margin optimisation.

He leads the delivery of sustainable commercial performance through disciplined risk management, data-driven decision making, and a focus on long-term growth.

Paul Huitson, Director of Risk

With more than 25 years of experience in banking and lending, Paul has held senior leadership positions across a number of major UK financial institutions, leading large-scale transformation programmes, risk functions and lending businesses.

His expertise spans credit risk, business strategy, governance, regulatory engagement and organisational change, with a strong focus on helping businesses grow safely and sustainably.