Tandem has announced a series of senior leadership changes.
The digital challenger bank says the moves are part of a new investor-backed strategy focused on sustainable finance – helping customers live more sustainably and build everyday financial resilience.
Simon Bowen joins Tandem as chief risk officer, bringing over 25 years of risk and finance transformation experience across the UK banking sector, most recently as CRO at Hodge Bank as well as senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group and Principality Building Society.
“Tandem has established itself as one of the most credible purpose-led digital banks in the market,” said Bowen. “I’m delighted to be joining the executive team and look forward to playing my part in what comes next.”
Tandem has also strengthened its wider risk leadership with the appointment of Natalie Trist as director of credit risk strategy, bringing over 25 years’ credit leadership experience across HSBC, Close Brothers, Secure Trust Bank and Vanquis Banking Group.
Kevin Purcell joins as chief people officer, succeeding Catherine Diamond. Formerly CPO at Secure Trust Bank, he also served as CPO at Universities Superannuation Scheme and has held senior HR leadership roles at Barclays Investment Bank and UBS Investment Bank.
Tandem has also confirmed further internal changes.
Darvish Heshejin has been appointed managing director of home improvement lending, moving from director of strategy and proposition. He will focus on scaling Tandem’s home improvement lending proposition as the bank approaches £1bn in green lending, while also leading the launch of its revamped marketplace proposition.
He succeeds Julian Nutley, who is transitioning to a new role from September to become senior adviser to Tandem. Nutley founded Allium Money – the green lending business acquired by Tandem in 2020.
Nutley said: “It has been a privilege to help build Tandem’s home improvement lending business into what it is today. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and I’m looking forward to continuing to support Darvish as he takes it from strength to strength.”
Noggin HQ raises £2.3m & becomes UK’s newest credit reference agency
In addition, with over four years at Tandem, Tom Ellmers expands his executive role as managing director of deposits and digital experience, creating a single leadership structure across Tandem’s deposits, app, brand, customer experience, corporate communications and digital marketing teams.
Neil Chandler (pictured), CEO of Tandem, commented: “Tandem is entering a defining and important next stage of growth, backed by a clear investor-supported strategy and with ambition to scale our impact, and continued investment in sustainable finance. These changes bring together our risk, people, lending, and digital teams under leaders with a proven track record, as we invest in the next phase of our growth.
“I want to thank Julian for everything he has built in home improvement lending and I’m glad he will continue supporting Darvish and the team as he moves into his new role. I’d also like to thank Catherine for the lasting impact she has had on our culture and our people.
“I am delighted to welcome Simon, Kevin, and Natalie to the business, and to see Darvish and Tom take on these expanded roles.”