Tandem Bank Bolsters Executive Team

Tandem Bank announces senior leadership changes to accelerate investor-backed strategy focused on sustainable finance

Branch and Vault desk 20 Aug 2026 Source: Finextra

Tandem Bank has unveiled a series of senior leadership changes as it enters its next stage of growth. The changes are supported by significant investment across the bank's executive team, Board, digital capability, and customer proposition.

New Appointments

The bank has appointed Simon Bowen as Chief Risk Officer, bringing over 25 years of risk and finance transformation experience. Natalie Trist has also been appointed as Director of Credit Risk Strategy, with over 25 years of credit leadership experience. Kevin Purcell joins as Chief People Officer, succeeding Catherine Diamond, with more than 30 years of senior people leadership experience.

Simon Bowen commented that Tandem has established itself as a credible purpose-led digital bank, and he is delighted to join the executive team. Kevin Purcell noted that the bank's recognition as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work showcases what Tandem is building, and he is looking forward to taking that agenda further as the bank scales.

Leadership 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. Julian Nutley, who founded Allium Money, will transition to a new role as Senior Adviser to Tandem, supporting Darvish and the HIL team.

Julian Nutley said it has been a privilege to help build Tandem's home improvement lending business, and he is looking forward to continuing to support Darvish. Tom Ellmers has expanded 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.

Investment in Growth

Neil Chandler, CEO of Tandem, commented that the bank is entering a defining next stage of growth, backed by a clear investor-supported strategy and ambition to scale its impact. The changes bring together the bank's risk, people, lending, and digital teams under leaders with a proven track record. Chandler thanked Julian Nutley for his contributions to home improvement lending and Catherine Diamond for her lasting impact on the bank's culture and people.

The bank has made several key appointments in recent years, including Ryan Heaps as Chief Financial Officer in 2025, and Russell Strevens as Chief Technology Officer. At Board level, Stephen Jones was appointed Chair at the start of 2026, and Clive Kornitzer joined as Independent Non-Executive Director in March 2026.