Raphael Bres returns to Tradeshift, set to harness AI in fintech

Tradeshift, the B2B e-commerce and fintech platform, has announced the return of Raphael Bres who is set to revolutionise the firm's finance function through the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Bres is vested with the responsibility of designing novel AI and automation solutions for Tradeshift's invoicing and accounts payable solutions, while also enhancing the company's lead in B2B marketplaces and embedded finance.

Raphael's return to Tradeshift follows a series of organisational restructuring including a change in the executive team, Board, and the influx of $70m of new investment. The company has also joined forces with prominent institutions such as HSBC. Raphael's reappointment falls within this period of modification and growth for Tradeshift.

Raphael Bres has been welcomed back into the company as Chief Product & Technology Officer after he spent a two-year stint with Spiff, a sales commission software company which got acquired by Salesforce in December 2023. Raphael will lead product innovation and technological transformation across Tradeshift's range of solutions. During his previous tenure, his contribution played an instrumental role in advancing Tradeshift's mission.

In a statement, Bres said, "Tradeshift's vision has always resonated with me. Rejoining the team feels like a natural progression of the journey we embarked upon together. Our B2B marketplace is transforming procurement, and with the embedded finance standard set by our HSBC partnership, the future looks more promising than ever. I am eager to work with the team to elevate our solutions, making a transformative impact on the way businesses transact globally."

Raphael's professional profile boasts of a 25-year experience that spans Enterprise Financial Applications and B2B SaaS Solutions at conglomerates like Oracle, Microsoft, Workday, and Certinia. He kickstarted his career at Deloitte audit. Bres also added that his focus will be directed towards "broadening our reach to a wider range of businesses". As the company is strategically positioned to leverage AI developments, he sees a potentially transformative chance to create unparalleled efficiency and value for their customers.

The company further solidifies its executive team with Raphael's reappointment, having appointed accomplished professionals in the previous months, including Iain Balchin as Chief Financial Officer, Jim Modak as Chief of Strategy & GTM, and promoting Jovita O'Byrne to the role of Chief People Officer. James Stirk, CEO at Tradeshift, remarked on the notable impact of Raphael's previous leadership stint, asserting, "His return is a testament to our growth and the exciting direction we are headed."