Catalyst Property Finance has strengthened its intermediary support with four senior appointments across its new business team, signalling an ambitious phase of growth for the specialist lender.
It has hired Andy Reid as its new head of national accounts, alongside three business development managers, as it seeks to deepen broker engagement and expand its national coverage.
FOUR SENIOR APPOINTMENTS
Reid joins from a number of specialist lenders, including TAB, Hampshire Trust Bank and InterBay. His new role marks the creation of a national accounts function designed to enhance Catalyst’s relationships with larger intermediary partners.
He will work alongside three new business development managers. Gemma Roberts joins from UTB and Together, bringing over two decades of experience in the sector.
Tim Horne arrives from Paragon, having spent seven years covering the specialist lending market in the Midlands.
Tony Grillo, formerly of Masthaven and Together, will cover the Home Counties.
EXCITING TIME
They join existing BDM Ciaran Courtney under the leadership of sales director Spencer Gale, who said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Catalyst. Bringing in Gemma, Tim, Tony, and Andy gives us a powerhouse of experience, regional strength, and ambition.
“Each of them brings something unique to our growth journey, but what unites them is their drive to support brokers and deliver outstanding service.”
He added: “Catalyst is in a period of incredible momentum, and these appointments reflect our commitment to continued growth, stronger broker relationships, and even better national coverage.
“With this team in place, our reach and support for brokers across the UK has never been stronger.”
EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE SPECIALIST MARKET
Reid said: “I’ve worked in the industry for 35 years, the last 20 within specialist lending, holding roles of sales director and head of sales at bridging lenders. I’m so thrilled to be joining Catalyst.
“I already have an affinity with some of the senior management team, as well as the internal team, and I know they are people I will work well with.
He added: “I was also attracted by Catalyst’s product suite and vision to enhance this with a wider range of products. Catalyst’s culture and ‘one team’ philosophy also appealed to me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“I have been in the property finance industry for over 20 years,” Roberts said.
“My most recent roles have been at Together, where I worked as a BDM, and most recently as a BDM at UTB in the Bridging Division for the North.”
CULTURE AND VALUES
She added: “Catalyst’s reputation and approach to lending attracted me, and I believe their culture and values align with my own professional style.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with existing and new brokers in the North to promote Catalyst’s proposition, and I am excited to be a part of the growth plans and working in collaboration with the experienced sales and internal team.”
Horne has been within financial services for 30 years now, working in various roles, including three years as a broker.
He said: “I have worked for a few different lenders, with the most recent being Paragon. I was there for seven years covering the specialist lending market, in particular buy-to-let, and collaborated with brokers of all sizes across the Midlands.”
COMPLEX BUY-TO-LET
He added: “I was keen to join the Catalyst team, as I already know their sales director, Spencer Gale, and their marketing director, Anna Bennett, and Catalyst has a good reputation within the industry.
“I’m looking forward to being part of Catalyst’s growth progression, learning new product ranges, and sharing my expertise from the complex buy-to-let market.”
Finally, Grillo said: “I have worked in the specialist finance industry for 24 years for both lenders and packagers, and in a variety of roles including underwriter, internal sales and business development.
“My most recent roles have been at Together and Masthaven.”
“My most recent roles have been at Together and Masthaven, where I was a BDM for London and the Home Counties. I have previously worked alongside Catalyst’s CEO, Chris Fairfax, many years ago.”
He added: “I also know Spencer Gale very well through industry connections, so it will be great to work alongside people I know and respect.
“In a way, it feels like coming back home. I’m very excited about the huge growth phase Catalyst has planned for next year and look forward to being part of that journey.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The hires mark a substantial expansion of Catalyst’s external presence and underline its commitment to deepening support for brokers across regional markets.
The firm said the investment in experienced relationship managers reflects the scale of its growth ambitions for the year ahead.
With a larger, more regionally diverse new business team now in place, Catalyst is positioning itself for increased activity across bridging and specialist lending in 2026.
