Leysen Senior Leadership

John Mills

Chairman

Recently Chief Financial Officer (SMF2 approved) of Foresters, the UK’s seventh largest mutual. Previously CFO of SelfTrade, the UK’s fourth largest stockbroker, CFO of global payments provider EQ Global and CEO/founder of a major Commerzbank SaaS/fintech subsidiary.

A corporate strategy, digital, technology, regulatory and risk management expert, he has been responsible for the delivery of multiple business-critical projects including mergers, transformations, regulatory remediations and approvals, risk management frameworks and models, complex model and technology testing, cloud and digital implementations, corporate integrations/restructurings at, for example, Generali, Nomura/Instinet, Carmignac, FundRock, Aviva and BP – often working as the lead engagement partner at tier one advisory firms such as BDO and Pericles Group or for private equity owners.

John has deep experience of financial services and other sectors and corresponding technology, software, programming, regulatory expertise such as python, ETRM, actuarial model design, testing, model baselining, SOX and DORA.

A rugby & MotoGP fan, keen squash player and enthusiastic musician, he has four daughters.

Jon Riley

Managing Director

As a founding partner of Leysen in 1996 he has been integral to the success and growth of Leysen from inception to date, keeping the delivery of quality as a key mantra for Leysen.

He has managed over 200+ digital transformation projects across all verticals from aviation control systems to insurance and pensions programmes, military systems to leading retail banks.

From his early career in mainstream IT from systems and business analysis to project and programme management Jon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his current role of Managing Director.

Still a keen sportsman, he runs and cycles regularly with a particular interest in Rowing, Sailing and Rugby. The latter purely as a spectator and supporter of his younger son who plays professionally for Harlequins and has represented England through all the age grades. Jons eldest son is also an accomplished professional artist.

Erwin Klomp

Delivery Director

After a successful career with major banks like Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC, Erwin has now taken responsibility for delivery of services in Leysen.

Erwin has undertaken a variety of senior roles which gives him a deep and wide delivery experience. Erwin has managed QA in large transformation programmes in the financial sector including Retail, Wealth and Investment Banking. By enforcing a high standard of QA Erwin helped to deliver the largest retail account migration, the largest credit card migration and the largest pension book migration in Europe successfully.

Erwin moved from Holland to England in 1991 and established his life in Manchester as a husband to his wife and proud father to his three children. A keen golfer and enthusiastic football supporter. Enjoys a good meal with a nice glass of wine.

Rob Seels

Commercial Director

Rob has dedicated over 25 years of his career helping customers solve their software quality issues. As an early pioneer working for one the first specialist testing companies to spearheading the banking and financial services arm of one of the world’s digital assurance giants. Rob has forged partnerships with many blue-chip companies across diverse industry sectors.

As Commercial Director, Rob is a pivotal part of Leysen’s success story and is instrumental in driving its commercial growth and market presence. Rob’s expertise ranges from crafting bespoke solution strategies to negotiating complex, multi-million-dollar contracts. He has a proven track record of building long-term client relationships, consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations and drive tangible business value. He embodies Leysen’s commitment to delivering unparalleled quality in software testing and digital transformation solutions.

Rob is a rugby fanatic having played for over 40 years and coached minis rugby for a decade. He now keeps fit through training, coaching and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also a keen foodie and loves to cook, with Italian dishes usually high on the menu. Rob is also learning to speak Italian and regularly visits Tuscany on holiday with his family.

Nicki Hetfield-Rogerson

Recruitment & Onboarding Partner

With over 20 years in recruitment, Nicki has a wealth of experience in process improvement and leadership with a track record of success across diverse industries, including Financial Services, Retail, Travel, Aerospace, Transport & Logistics, Utilities, Packaging & Manufacturing, Charity, Tech & Software, Management Consultancy, and Pharmaceutical.

Nicki excels in streamlining recruitment processes, driving efficiency, and enhancing the candidate experience through meticulous process optimisation; she is dedicated to driving excellence in both candidate experience and stakeholder engagement.

Outside of work Nicki is a keen traveller and loves nothing more than exploring Canada with her husband.