Ryan Smith has been promoted to managing director of Bishopsgate Group, the payroll and employment services business, after five years as its commercial director.
The appointment, announced on 2 November 2026, is part of a leadership transition that also sees outgoing managing director Luke Shannon-Little become group director of compliance at parent company Munnelly Group.
According to Bishopsgate, Shannon-Little oversaw the handover to Smith, who has worked closely with the company’s clients, contractors and employees since joining in 2021.
Career progression in payroll and recruitment
Smith began his career in sales, operations and account management in 2005. His professional background includes field sales for a Fortune 500 company, work as a recruitment consultant and a sales management role in payroll services.
He subsequently established Global Umbrella Services as managing director before joining Lesters UK, where he progressed from sales director to commercial director.
He joined Bishopsgate as commercial director in 2021. During his career, the company says, he has negotiated multimillion-pound contracts, launched service lines and helped secure major client accounts.
His promotion therefore represents a return to a managing director position, this time within a business where he has spent five years helping shape commercial operations.
Leading the next stage of the business
In his new position, Smith will lead Bishopsgate’s operations and commercial development while maintaining its focus on contractor payment services and regulatory compliance.
Smith said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Managing Director at Bishopsgate Group. Having worked closely with Luke and the team over the past five years, I have seen first-hand the strong foundations we have built and the importance we place on delivering a compliant, contractor-first service. I am excited to lead the business through its next stage of development, working alongside our talented colleagues to build on that progress and continue providing the high standards of support our clients and contractors expect.”
Shannon-Little’s move to the parent company gives him a group-wide compliance remit. He said: “Ryan brings extensive payroll industry experience, a strong commitment to compliance and a clear understanding of the importance of our contractor-first approach. I am confident that, under his leadership, Bishopsgate will continue to build on the foundations we have established and deliver the service you expect from us.”
Bishopsgate operates within the Munnelly Group and provides payroll and employment services for contractors and clients. The company says the transition is intended to maintain continuity while Smith takes responsibility for its next phase.
Original source: Read the original announcement
