Specialist lender Together has appointed Rachel East as group head of strategy as the business continues to invest in its transformation programme and long-term growth plans.
East (main picture, inset) joins the newly created role reporting to chief strategy officer Russell Anderson, who joined the lender in May. She will help lead the development and execution of Together’s corporate strategy, with a focus on growth, transformation and expanding strategic partnerships across the market.
The appointment forms part of a broader investment in the lender’s strategic capabilities as it seeks to accelerate growth across its specialist lending businesses.
East brings more than 20 years’ experience in financial services, having held senior roles with Key, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and HFC Bank. Most recently, she focused on driving efficiencies within the regulated later-life lending sector and is a certified member of the Equity Release Council.
NEW ROUTES TO MARKET
Anderson says: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the newly formed Strategy team. Rachel’s in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry and her specialism in later life lending is invaluable to Together’s plans to drive growth in key territories.
“Working directly with me Rachel will help unlock new routes to market as we support more customers in achieving their property goals.”
Richard Rowntree, group CEO of Together, adds: “As we continue to invest in our transformation we are strengthening the Group’s strategic capability.
“With Rachel and Russell on the team we will be able to accelerate our next phase of growth and deliver our ambition to be the UK’s finance partner of choice.”
STRATEGIC FOCUS
East says: “I’m excited to join Together and work alongside Russell to deliver a strong strategic focus for growth.
“I have long admired the business, its ambition and broad offer to support customers and I look forward to unlocking and bringing new initiatives to market.”
The appointment follows a period of continued investment by Together across its lending proposition, technology infrastructure and intermediary distribution network as it seeks to expand its position within the specialist finance market.
