Executive Change: Encore Capital Group Announces Jonathan Clark as CFO of Midland Credit Management

Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECPG), an international specialty finance company providing debt recovery solutions for consumers and property owners across a broad range of assets, today announced that former Sallie Mae Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Clark has been appointed to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Midland Credit Management, Inc., Encore’s domestic operating subsidiary.

Clark is expected to succeed Executive Vice President Paul Grinberg as Chief Financial Officer of Encore in February 2015. Following the transition, Grinberg will be tasked with continuing to grow and diversify Encore’s business through M&A and will oversee Encore’s European and Latin America operations.

“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Encore family,” said Kenneth A. Vecchione, Encore’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Jonathan has an unparalleled track record throughout his career, particularly in leading a complex financial services organization, and I’m confident that his experience and expertise will help us continue to achieve our growth ambitions.”

“Paul and Jonathan will work closely together for the next few months to effect a smooth transition, after which Paul will focus on enhancing Encore’s European and Latin America operations while maintaining his corporate development responsibilities,” Vecchione continued. “As a result, Paul will continue to advance our stated strategy of expanding into new geographies and diversifying into new asset classes to improve value to shareholders.”

Clark’s most recent role was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SLM Corp., also known as Sallie Mae. During his time at Sallie Mae from 2008 until 2013, Clark increased investor value, reestablished the organization as a major player in the securitization market, and guided the company during the global financial crisis. Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Clark served as a Managing Director at Credit Suisse Securities from 2000 to 2007, after having served in various executive roles at Prudential Securities, The First Boston Corporation, and a variety of other companies during his career.

Clark earned an economics degree from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School.

Encore Capital Group, an international specialty finance company with operations spanning seven countries, provides debt recovery solutions for consumers and property owners across a broad range of assets. Through its subsidiaries, the Company purchases portfolios of consumer receivables from major banks, credit unions, and utility providers, and partners with individuals as they repay their obligations and work toward financial recovery. Through its Propel Financial Services subsidiary, the Company assists property owners who are delinquent on their property taxes by structuring affordable monthly payment plans and purchases delinquent tax liens directly from selected taxing authorities. Through its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Cabot Credit Management, Marlin Financial Services, and Grove Capital Management, the Company is a market-leading acquirer and manager of consumer debt in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Through its Refinancia subsidiary, the Company services distressed consumer debt in Colombia and Peru. Encore’s success and future growth are driven by its sophisticated and widespread use of analytics, its broad investments in data and behavioral science, the significant cost advantages provided by its highly efficient operating model and proven investment strategy, and the Company’s demonstrated commitment to conducting business ethically and in ways that support its consumers’ financial recovery.

Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock of the Russell 2000, the S&P SmallCap 600, and the Wilshire 4500. More information about the Company can be found at www.encorecapital.com. More information about the Company’s Cabot Credit Management subsidiary can be found at www.cabotcm.com.  Information found on the Company’s website or Cabot’s website is not incorporated by reference.