Tandem Bank strengthens leadership team

Digital challenger bank Tandem, headquartered in Blackpool, has announced a series of senior appointments and leadership changes as it begins its next stage of investor-backed growth.

Simon Bowen has joined as chief risk officer; Kevin Purcell as chief people officer; and Natalie Trist as director of credit risk strategy.

Simon said: “Tandem has established itself as one of the most credible purpose-led digital banks in the market. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the executive team and look forward to playing my part in what comes next.”

Kevin added: “You can tell a lot about a business from the recognition it earns from its own people. 

“Back-to-back Sunday Times awards showcase what Tandem is building, and I am looking forward to taking that agenda further as we scale.”

Darvish Heshejin has also been appointed managing director of home improvement lending, while Tom Ellmers expands his role to become managing director of deposits and digital experience.

Simon brings more than 25 years’ risk and finance transformation experience, most recently as chief risk officer at Hodge Bank, while Kevin joins after previously serving as chief people officer at Secure Trust Bank.

Darvish moves from his position as director of strategy and proposition and will lead the growth of Tandem's home improvement lending business as the bank approaches £1 billion in green lending.

He succeeds Allium Money founder Julian Nutley, who will become senior adviser to Tandem from September, while Tom’s expanded remit brings deposits, the bank’s app, customer experience, brand, communications and digital marketing under one leadership structure.

Julian added: “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.”

Neil Chandler, chief executive of Tandem, added: “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 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.”

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