Switch2Zero appoints Galileo CEO Derek White as chairman
UK-based digital sustainability platform Switch2Zero has appointed Derek White as its new chairman.
Derek White joins Switch2Zero as chairman
White is currently CEO at Galileo Financial Technologies, a US-based payments and banking platform he joined in June 2021. Galileo was acquired by consumer fintech SoFi for $1.2 billion in April 2020, and merged with its other acquisitions.
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Switch2Zero says White brings a “huge range of experience and expertise” to his new role, with a “formidable history of launching, leading, re-imagining and transforming international companies” across consumer and corporate sectors.
Prior to Galileo, White headed up Google Cloud Financial Services as vice president from September 2020 to May 2021. He has also served as vice chair and chief digital officer for US Bank, and global head of client solutions for BBVA. His earlier experience includes stints at Propel Venture Partners, Barclays, Barclaycard and JPMorgan Chase.
As an “experienced ecosystem builder”, his new role will see him focus on this “crucial” area for Switch2Zero as it looks to build a global sustainability hub with the mission to connect people and businesses “with everything they need to reduce their environmental impact, work towards net zero emissions and achieve net positive impact”.
Commenting on the appointment, Ian Ormerod, CEO of Switch2Zero, says: “As an investor in S2Z from day one, Derek has already been instrumental in enabling our initial journey.
“Derek’s experience in scaling businesses globally, lighting up ecosystems and delivering amazing digital-first products will play a significant role in driving us to develop cutting-edge solutions and services that help address the pressing challenge of sustainable value creation.”
Founded in 2021 and based in London, Switch2Zero is building a “one-stop shop” for individuals and businesses to source news and advice on ways to reduce their carbon footprints, carbon offsetting, green initiatives and network with like-minded businesses and suppliers.
