Financial services expert John Barker has been named CEO of Together Personal Finance, marking a significant step in the specialist lender’s journey.
Barker, who previously served as COO, is tasked with driving growth and innovation for the company’s personal finance division after being approved by the FCA.
John Barker’s Ascendancy to CEO
Specialist lender Together has advanced financial services expert John Barker to the Chief Executive Officer position. With an established background as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Barker will now guide the subsidiary, Together Personal Finance, following approval from the Financial Conduct Authority. This advancement signifies a pivotal moment for Together, aligning its growth trajectory with Barker’s seasoned expertise and innovative leadership.
John Barker’s familiarity with the company, coupled with his hands-on experience, marks a seamless transition. His proficiency in spearheading financial strategies and his entrepreneurial spirit will be instrumental as he steps into his new role. Barker’s promotion underscores Together’s strategy to leverage internal talent to foster continuity and drive towards ambitious objectives.
The Vision for Together Personal Finance
Within his role, Barker envisions propelling Together’s personal finance division to new heights. With a loan book valued at £7.4 billion, Together is committed to expanding its portfolio, focusing on products such as first charge and Consumer Buy-to-Let (CBTL) mortgages, second charge loans, and regulated bridging finance.
He emphasises his dedication to common sense lending and the delivery of flexible financial products tailored to diverse customer profiles. Barker aims to engage with more mortgage brokers, financial intermediaries, and customers to elevate Together’s brand presence and its diverse offerings.
Barker’s Track Record and Expertise
Beginning his career with Co-op Insurance, Barker has accumulated over 19 years of invaluable experience in the financial services sector. His versatile career path saw him join Capita, rising to the rank of Managing Director, further solidifying his expertise and understanding of both operational and strategic facets of the industry.
At Capita, Barker’s influence was pivotal. His leadership and vision led to substantial growth and innovation, setting the stage for his accomplishments at Target Group as Group Chief Operating Officer. His role at Target Group further fortified his capability in managing business transformations effectively and efficiently.
Since coming on board with Together, Barker has been instrumental in pushing for innovation and enhancing the digital journey for brokers and personal finance customers alike. This focus on technological advancement ensures Together remains competitive and responsive to market changes.
A New Era for Together
Richard Gregory OBE, Chairman of Together Personal Finance, highlighted the significance of Barker’s appointment. Gregory lauded Barker’s extensive experience and rapid impact within the organisation, which paved the way for his current appointment.
Together anticipates significant growth under Barker’s leadership. His adeptness in navigating complex financial landscapes is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction, driving the business forward.
Commitment to Innovation and Growth
Together’s focus on innovation is reflected in its commitment under Barker’s leadership. He is poised to drive forward technological advancements, ensuring customers and brokers benefit from streamlined processes and enhanced service delivery.
Barker’s leadership style fosters a culture of inclusivity and forward-thinking, encouraging team members to contribute innovative ideas that align with the organisation’s vision of providing valuable financial solutions to a broad customer base.
His future-oriented approach not only aims at bolstering Together’s current standing but also strategically positions the organisation for continuous growth and adaptation to evolving industry dynamics.
Integration and Future Prospects
Barker’s appointment marks a promising chapter for Together. His integration into the role is expected to further solidify Together’s market presence, reinforcing its reputation as a leading specialist lender with a unique proposition in the financial services industry.
The strategic alignment of Barker’s expertise with Together’s objectives demonstrates a synergistic potential geared towards sustainable growth and innovative service offerings.
Under Barker’s stewardship, Together is set to navigate future challenges with resilience and strategic foresight, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
John Barker’s appointment as CEO heralds a new era for Together, with growth and strategic innovation at the forefront.
His proven leadership and commitment to advancing the company’s goals ensure Together’s continued success and industry prominence.
