William Phillips is an accomplished executive whose career spans over four decades of exceptional leadership in the financial services industry. Renowned for his expertise in credit risk management, loss mitigation, and process improvement, William has played pivotal roles in shaping successful strategies for global financial institutions, fostering team empowerment, and driving operational excellence. His professional journey is a testament to his ability to innovate, inspire, and deliver meaningful results in complex and evolving industries.
As the CEO and President of Skircal, LLC, William embarked on an entrepreneurial venture that highlights his versatility and adaptability. In this role, he directs strategic marketing efforts in the cruise travel and collectibles industry. His work with Skircal reflects his passion for solving challenges through strategic vision, creativity, and teamwork, demonstrating his ability to excel beyond traditional financial services.
William’s extensive career includes 14 years at BBVA Compass, where he held multiple senior leadership roles, most notably as Senior Vice President and Director of Bankruptcy and Probate. Here, he successfully guided his team through the high-stakes integration of BBVA into PNC Bank. By reengineering departmental structures, implementing customer-focused processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance, he helped the organization navigate a critical transition period while achieving significant operational efficiencies. Under his leadership, foreclosure inventories were reduced by nearly 50%, saving millions in annual charge-offs and solidifying his reputation as a strategic leader who balances financial goals with customer advocacy.
His impact at BBVA Compass extended to redefining loss mitigation strategies as the Director of Mortgage Default Operations. By introducing a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model, empowering his teams with advanced training, and fostering a culture of foreclosure prevention, William doubled foreclosure saves and halved completed foreclosures within three years. These efforts not only improved financial outcomes but also strengthened relationships with customers and enhanced their ability to retain their homes.
Earlier in his career at BBVA, William served as Senior Credit Risk Manager, where his strategic insights led to groundbreaking achievements in the auto finance and recreational products sectors. He identified inefficiencies, implemented repossession policy changes, and initiated product innovations that collectively recovered over $3 million in premiums and reduced delinquency rates. His ability to balance risk mitigation with business growth continues to serve as a benchmark for success in the industry.
William’s expertise in process mapping and improvement is a hallmark of his career. At BBVA, he spearheaded initiatives that consolidated foreclosure and REO departments, creating a streamlined Real Estate Services division. His approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also instilled a customer-centric culture that prioritized proactive solutions and meaningful results. This ability to merge technical expertise with empathetic leadership has defined his approach to team-building and problem-solving.
Before joining BBVA, William honed his skills in credit and training management at organizations such as Nuvell Financial Services and GMAC. At Nuvell, he led national training programs that improved operational efficiency and elevated team performance across multiple U.S. locations. His leadership in developing prime customer programs and sales training for national auto finance operations showcased his ability to innovate and meet market demands.
William’s career also includes extensive international exposure. From managing foreclosure operations in Mexico to overseeing Canadian customer portfolios and working with a Spanish-owned bank, he has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate diverse legal, cultural, and regulatory landscapes. This global perspective equips him with a nuanced understanding of financial systems and a strategic edge in addressing international challenges.
His leadership style is deeply rooted in team empowerment and mentorship. A passionate advocate for professional development, William has transformed countless employees into confident leaders through targeted training, coaching, and recognition. He has implemented robust training programs, redefined onboarding processes, and created mentoring initiatives that foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence.
William’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Florida and advanced training in leadership development, instructional design, and bank compliance. His lifelong commitment to continuous learning underscores his adaptability and his drive to remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
Beyond his professional achievements, William is guided by a passion for building meaningful connections and making a tangible impact. He values personal growth through projects that challenge his creativity and problem-solving abilities, whether it’s constructing physical projects with his hands or mentoring future leaders. His interests in golf, bowling, and sports further exemplify his appreciation for teamwork, strategy, and perseverance.
Character:
William exemplifies resilience, integrity, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. He approaches every challenge with a solutions-driven mindset, fostering trust and accountability among his teams.
Knowledge:
A seasoned expert in financial services, William’s deep understanding of credit risk, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency enables him to provide strategic guidance and deliver outstanding results.
Strategic:
William excels at envisioning and executing transformative strategies that drive sustainable success. His ability to identify opportunities, implement innovative solutions, and align teams with organizational goals is unparalleled.
Communication:
With exceptional interpersonal skills, William builds relationships across all levels, inspires collaboration, and communicates complex ideas with clarity and purpose. His ability to foster understanding and alignment makes him a standout leader.
