Together Financial Services Limited, the Cheadle, Cheshire-based non-bank relationship lender, announced the appointment of Richard Rowntree as CEO and executive director with effect from early 2025.

Together’s founder and ultimate controlling shareholder Henry Moser is to become executive vice chairman.

“Richard joins from Paragon Bank, where he was Managing Director of the Mortgages division,” said Together.

“He brings over 30 years of experience in banking, having previously held senior roles with Bank of Ireland, RBS, Santander, Lloyds TSB and Halifax.

“He has extensive board experience having served as Chair of the UK Finance Mortgages Product and Service Board, and as a non-executive board member of the Estuary Housing Association and Progress Together.

“Richard was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2023 for his work in promoting socio-economic diversity in the financial services sector.”

Together chairman Mike McTighe said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard as the new CEO of Together.

“He brings extensive experience in banking and will further strengthen our executive management team. Henry, our founder, is taking on the new role of Executive Vice Chairman and I am confident he and Richard will form a great team to take the Group forward.”

Moser said: “I am excited to announce Richard as my successor as CEO, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

“Together is a special business with a clear purpose and a unique culture and I look forward to working closely with Richard as we enter the next stage of our exciting growth story.”

Rowntree said: “I am thrilled to join Together at this pivotal moment, as the Group celebrates 50 years of remarkable success.

“This is a business that has a market leading proposition, a clear focus on delivering positive outcomes for customers and is backed by an exceptional team of talented, experienced professionals.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to take Together to the next level and look forward to leading this continued success.”