Forward Announces CEO Transition

August 7, 2024 | Company News

August 7, 2024 – Forward is pleased to announce that its Co-founder & CEO, Justin Bakes, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman and welcome his successor, Jason Mullins, as the new CEO at the close of 2024.

Bakes, one of Forward’s original co-founders, has successfully led the organization since its inception in 2012, helping more than 61,000 small businesses secure the capital they need to thrive. To continue this trajectory of growth and innovation, the Forward Executive team conducted a comprehensive search to find the ideal leader to help take the company to new heights.

“The opportunities for Forward and our team are boundless,” said Bakes. “I am incredibly proud of the mission-driven organization we have built, and I am eager to see it soar to the next level. There are 33 million small businesses in the US, and we want to be serving more of them. Jason is exactly the right person to lead us there.”

Based in Toronto, Canada, Mullins is currently the CEO of goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), a leading non-prime consumer lender in Canada. During his tenure as CEO, Mullins has led goeasy to grow its portfolio by 5x and grow its revenue by 3x. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, he has deep experience helping organizations scale from early stage to enterprise. He is widely recognized for his strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and ability to develop and execute successful business strategies.

Mullins has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business.

Over the coming months, Bakes and Mullins will partner closely on a plan to ensure a smooth transition for Forward’s people, partners, and small business customers.

For more information, please contact: VP, Marketing & Organizational Planning, Jessica Roden.

About Forward Financing

Forward Financing is a financial technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts with an operational hub in Santiago, Dominican Republic that provides fast, flexible capital to US small businesses that have been long underserved by traditional financing options. Forward offers revenue-based financing – delivering an upfront sum of working capital in exchange for a set amount of the business’s future revenue. By simplifying the requirements, streamlining the process, and using advanced proprietary technology, Forward is often able to deliver approvals within hours and funds that same day — giving more businesses the financial opportunity they need to thrive. Plus, with their dedicated teams and award-winning service, customers get personalized support when they need it most.

Since 2012, Forward has expanded access to capital by providing over $2.8 billion in funding to more than 61,000 small businesses. The company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau with an Excellent / 4.8 stars rating on Trustpilot.com. Forward is also recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston, certified as a Great Place to Work®, and is committed to helping their people and the small businesses they serve to achieve their full potential.