Specialist lender Together has made two senior appointments to its leadership team.
The group of companies has separated its retail and commercial activities under a new corporate governance structure, with the different divisions managed independently.
Ron Baxter, currently a senior advisor at the Prudential Regulation Authority; part of the Bank of England, who has over 30 years’ experience within the industry, joins as an independent non-executive director in the retail division.
Baxter (pictured) has also been a senior adviser at the FCA (and previous FSA) for over 10 years and has been involved in a wide variety of regulatory initiatives.
Previous roles include a non-executive directorship with fund management and life assurance group Skandia Life Holdings Co. Ltd, and group chief executive with Scottish Legal Life Assurance Group.
He said: “The business has been successfully nurtured over many years, underpinned by real drive coupled with real common sense. These qualities will stand Together in good stead as it moves into its next phase of development and I am delighted to be joining at this time.”
Wayne Bowser who has joined from HSBC, where he was deputy head of commercial banking, takes up the role of group non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee.
He has held non-executive directorships at various leading firms, in sectors including housebuilding, motor dealership and investment.
Bowser said: “It’s a business with a very exciting future and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.
“Together operates in a different marketplace to the mainstream lenders and the alternative finance sector is really booming in the current economic climate. The company’s strong financial position and extensive product offering, combined with robust market demand, place it firmly at the forefront of this high-growth industry.”
David Bennett, who previously chaired the audit committee, is now chairman of the retail division.
In addition, Nigel Dale, previously a partner at Eversheds, was recently announced as general counsel and joined the group in April.
Chairman Mike McTighe said: “Together is experiencing exponential growth at present and these appointments highlight our commitment to taking the business forward under a leadership team of the very highest calibre.
“Ron’s expertise spans all areas of financial services and his regulatory knowledge is second to none and will be invaluable as we drive growth in our retail division.
“Similarly, Wayne’s extensive management experience will be a great asset and we’re pleased to welcome them both to the group.”