Tandem has made a series of senior leadership changes as it pursues an investor-backed strategy focused on sustainable finance and financial resilience.
The challenger bank said the appointments were supported by investment in its executive team, board, digital capabilities and customer proposition.
RISK AND PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
Simon Bowen has joined Tandem as chief risk officer. The ACMA-qualified finance executive has more than 25 years of experience in risk and finance transformation across the UK banking sector.
He was most recently chief risk officer at Hodge Bank and has held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group and Principality Building Society.
Tandem has also appointed Natalie Trist as director of credit risk strategy. She brings more than 25 years of credit leadership experience from HSBC, Close Brothers, Secure Trust Bank and Vanquis Banking Group.
Bowen 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 Purcell has joined as chief people officer, bringing more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in financial services. He was previously chief people officer at Secure Trust Bank and Universities Superannuation Scheme, and has held senior human resources roles at Barclays Investment Bank and UBS Investment Bank.
Purcell succeeds Catherine Diamond, who held the position for two years. During her tenure, Tandem was named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work for two consecutive years and received Great Place to Work certification.
Purcell said: “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.”
HOME IMPROVEMENT LENDING
Darvish Heshejin has been appointed managing director of home improvement lending, having previously served as director of strategy and proposition.
He will focus on expanding Tandem’s home improvement lending proposition as the bank approaches £1 billion in green lending, while leading the launch of its revamped marketplace proposition.
Heshejin succeeds Julian Nutley, who will become senior adviser to Tandem from September and will support Heshejin and the home improvement lending team.
Nutley founded Allium Money, the green lending business acquired by Tandem in 2020, and helped develop the bank’s home improvement lending operation.
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.”
DEPOSITS AND DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Tom Ellmers has expanded his executive responsibilities after more than four years at Tandem, becoming managing director of deposits and digital experience.
The role creates a single leadership structure covering the bank’s deposits, app, brand, customer experience, corporate communications and digital marketing teams.
Neil Chandler, chief executive of Tandem, said: “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.”
The changes follow further investment in Tandem’s leadership. Ryan Heaps was promoted to chief financial officer in 2025, while Russell Strevens joined as chief technology officer.
At board level, Stephen Jones was appointed chair at the start of 2026 and Clive Kornitzer joined as an independent non-executive director in March 2026.
