Together, the specialist lender with a loan book valued at £7.4 billion, has appointed John Barker as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its personal finance division. Barker, who joined Together as Chief Operating Officer (COO) last year, will officially take the reins as CEO following approval by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Barker’s Journey to the Top: From COO to CEO
With nearly two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Barker has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. His career began at Co-op Insurance, but he gained substantial experience during his 10 years at Capita, where he rose to the role of Managing Director in 2019. He further expanded his expertise at Target Group, where he served as Group COO before transitioning to Together.
His promotion to CEO of Together Personal Finance reflects his strong impact within the organization, particularly in leading digital transformation and improving the customer experience for brokers and personal finance clients.
Richard Gregory OBE, Chairman of Together Personal Finance, expressed confidence in Barker’s ability to lead the company, saying, “John’s experience and his contributions to the firm’s digital innovation make him the perfect fit to drive our personal finance division forward.”
Driving Growth with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
John Barker’s new role will center on leading Together’s diverse personal finance offerings, which include first charge and Consumer Buy-to-Let (CBTL) mortgages, second charge loans, and regulated bridging finance. Barker’s enthusiasm for the firm’s “common-sense lending approach” reflects his dedication to providing flexible lending solutions to a wide range of borrowers—particularly those who may not meet traditional lending criteria.
In a statement, Barker said, “Together is a fantastic company with a real entrepreneurial spirit. Our focus on providing flexible products to meet the needs of customers who don’t fit the mainstream lender criteria will continue to be at the heart of our growth strategy.”
As CEO, Barker will expand the company’s efforts by deepening relationships with mortgage brokers and financial intermediaries to promote Together’s unique brand and product offerings.
The Role of Innovation in Personal Finance
Since joining Together, Barker has been heavily involved in transforming the company’s digital landscape, making it easier for brokers and customers to access the firm’s financial products. By prioritizing digital innovation, Barker aims to create a seamless experience for all stakeholders, from customers looking for loans to intermediaries seeking more efficient ways to work with the lender.
One of Barker’s key initiatives has been improving Together’s digital journey, which aims to streamline how brokers and personal finance customers interact with the company’s products and services. This focus on digital transformation aligns with the broader trend in the financial services industry, where businesses are increasingly adopting new technologies to improve service delivery and meet customer expectations.
Key Focus Areas Under John Barker |
Details |
|---|---|
Product Offering |
First charge, CBTL mortgages, second charge loans, and regulated bridging finance |
Strategic Focus |
Expansion through broker partnerships, innovation in product offerings |
Digital Transformation |
Streamlined access for brokers and personal finance customers |
Growth Markets |
Niche borrowers outside mainstream lending criteria |
Together’s Vision: Becoming the UK’s Most Valued Lender
Barker’s appointment is part of Together’s larger strategy to position itself as the UK’s most valued lender. The firm has built its reputation on flexible lending solutions, targeting a wide range of customers—particularly those who are underserved by mainstream lenders. Barker’s leadership is expected to strengthen these efforts and foster continued growth.
His focus on fostering stronger relationships with brokers and intermediaries will be key to expanding the firm’s reach. As Barker takes the helm, he will also aim to ensure that Together remains agile and innovative, particularly as the lending industry continues to evolve in response to shifts in the digital landscape.
The CEO’s vision is clear: “As Personal Finance CEO, I will be driving forward the division, working with more mortgage brokers, financial intermediaries, and customers to promote Together’s brand and products. I look forward to contributing to its future growth.”
A Proven Leader in Financial Services
John Barker’s rapid rise within Together speaks volumes about his leadership and expertise. With a track record of leading business transformations, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. His promotion also highlights the company’s confidence in his ability to navigate the competitive personal finance space while staying ahead of industry trends.
The financial services expert’s background, which spans across insurance, business transformation, and now lending, makes him uniquely equipped to lead Together’s personal finance division. Under his leadership, the firm’s goal of becoming the UK’s most valued lender appears increasingly attainable.
