Together appoints CEO of personal finance division

Specialist lender Together has promoted John Barker to CEO of its personal finance division.

John, who joined as the Group’s chief operating officer (COO) last year, will take up his new role as CEO for the group subsidiary, Together Personal Finance, following approval by the FCA.

John, has over 19 years’ experience in financial services, starting his career with Co-op Insurance before joining Capita, where he worked for more than a decade, becoming managing director within the group in 2019. He later became Group COO at Target Group before his promotion to CEO.

Since joining Together, Barker has been involved in the focus on innovation and transforming the digital journey for brokers and personal finance customers to access Together’s finance.

The latest hire follows the recent appointments of Richard Rowntree as CEO and executive director, effective from early 2025, and Chris Adams as chief financial officer.

John Barker said: “Together is a fantastic company with a real entrepreneurial spirit as well as a strong appetite to provide the mortgages and secured loans our customers want to help them achieve their property ambitions.

“I’m really passionate about Together’s common sense lending approach and its dedication to providing flexible products, often to borrowers who may not fit the strict criteria of mainstream lenders. 

“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, working with a dedicated team as we realise our vision of becoming the UK’s most valued lender.” 

Richard Gregory chairman of Together Personal Finance, added: “We are delighted to announce John’s appointment. He brings extensive experience to this role and his internal move is a testament to his rapid impact and commitment to Together. I look forward to seeing our Personal Finance business thrive under John’s leadership.”