Tembo has appointed James Young as director of data and insights as the savings and mortgage platform continues to build out its senior team.

Young (pictured) joins from Bark, where he spent nearly seven years and most recently served as head of insights and analytics. In that role, he led the analytics function, managed a team of analysts and oversaw data strategy and insight delivery during a period of growth.

At Tembo, he will be tasked with building and expanding the firm’s data and insights capability, with a focus on supporting data-led decision-making across the business and improving customer insight.

The appointment comes after further senior hires at the business, including James Carling as head of performance marketing from Motorway, and Ross McKenzie as product marketing manager from Monzo.

Tembo said the hires come as it looks to expand its position in the savings and mortgage market. The business recently announced £16 million in growth investment and said it had recorded growth across both savings and mortgages over the past year.

Young said: “Tembo is tackling one of the biggest financial challenges people face today – getting onto the property ladder. Data has a critical role to play in making that journey easier and more achievable.

“I’m excited to join at such a pivotal moment and to build a data capability that not only drives smarter decisions internally, but also delivers more personalised, impactful experiences for customers.”

Richard Dana, founder and ceo of Tembo, said: “Strong data and insight are key as we grow Tembo to become the home for first-time buyers. James brings a wealth of experience in developing analytics capabilities that drive better decision-making, and we’re delighted to have him join the team at such an important stage of our growth.”