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UK Export Finance can announce the appointment of three new members to the Export Guarantees Advisory Council. Tracey McDermott, Alex O’Cinneide, and Jon Samuel took up their appointments in Autumn 2025 and will serve an initial term of three years. They bring expertise across financial services and sustainable finance, financial regulation and compliance, and responsible business standards.  

Tracey McDermott brings over three decades of experience in financial services, regulation, and sustainability. Most recently, Tracey served as Group Head of Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance at Standard Chartered Bank, where she led a global transformation of the compliance function and championed net-zero and socio-economic mobility initiatives. Her prior tenure at the Financial Conduct Authority included Acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Enforcement and Financial Crime. 

On joining the board, Tracey McDermott said:

The government has an ambitious trade agenda, and the Export Guarantees Advisory Council plays a vital role providing policy advice to ministers as they look to realise this agenda. I look forward to playing a part in ensuring best practice in trade finance support for the UK’s exporters.

Dr Alex O’Cinneide is CEO and Founder of Gore Street Capital, a leading private equity firm specialising in renewable energy investments. With over two decades of global finance experience, Alex has held senior leadership roles at Paladin Capital, Masdar Capital, and Quorum European Partners. He has served on the boards of major clean energy companies and advised financial institutions on investment strategy and infrastructure finance. Alex is a committed advocate for sustainable development and climate resilience, advising UNICEF and serving on the supervisory board of the UK Energy Research Centre. 

On joining the board, Dr Alex O’Cinneide said:

I’m delighted to be joining the Export Guarantees Advisory Council at such an important time. With the government’s ambitious plans for trade, the Council’s work advising ministers has never been more valuable. I’m eager to contribute to strengthening trade finance support for UK exporters.

Jon Samuel is a highly respected sustainability leader with over 30 years of international experience across mining, infrastructure, and environmental sectors. He has held senior executive roles at Anglo American Plc and De Beers, leading pioneering work in social performance, economic development, and sustainability strategy. Jon has played a central role in shaping global sustainability standards, including as Co-Chair of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance and as a representative to the International Council on Mining and Metals. 

On joining the board, Jon Samuel said:

Joining the Export Guarantees Advisory Council is a real privilege. As the government pursues its bold trade agenda, the Council has a crucial role in shaping policy that delivers for British businesses. I’m looking forward to helping ensure our exporters have the trade finance support they need to thrive globally.

Vanessa Havard-Williams OBE, Chair of the Export Guarantees Advisory Council said:

Tracey, Alex and Jon are accomplished leaders in their respective fields, and each brings invaluable expertise to the Export Guarantees Advisory Council. I’m delighted to welcome them and look forward to working together as we strengthen our support for the UK’s exporting community.