UK digital bank, Tandem Bank, has announced the appointment of banking veteran Stephen Jones appointed as chair, amid a number of key board changes as the fintech positions itself for its next phase of growth.
Jones, currently executive chair of investment banking at Panmure Liberum, brings decades of senior leadership experience from across the UK banking sector, including senior executive roles at Santander and Barclays. He also served as the inaugural chief executive of UK Finance.
Jones succeeds Paul Pester, who steps down after three years as chair during which he oversaw the integration of Tandem and Oplo and strengthened the bank’s leadership team, including appointing CEO Neil Chandler in 2025.
Clive Kornitzer has also joined the board as an independent non-executive director, bringing more than 30 years’ commercial experience, including over 20 years at board level. With senior roles held at Santander and One Savings Bank, he was most recently group chief operating officer at OSB Group. Kornitzer replaces Matthew Donaldson, who steps down after nearly four years.
Stephen Jones, chair of Tandem Bank, said:
“Tandem has built a robust, profitable business with a clear purpose and an exciting future. I’m delighted to be joining as Chair and look forward to working with Neil, the Board and the wider organisation as Tandem embarks on its next chapter.”
Neil Chandler, CEO of Tandem Bank, added:
“I’m delighted we’re announcing a strong series of appointments to Tandem’s Board, underlining the exciting future that lies ahead for the business. Stephen and Clive add significant depth to an already strong Board. Their insight, perspective and judgement from the top of the industry will be invaluable, and I’m thrilled to welcome them both to Tandem. I’d like to give a special thanks to both Paul and Matthew for their contributions to Tandem. They step down at a positive point for the business and we’re grateful for their insight during their time on the Board. With a talented leadership team and an experienced Board driving strategy at the helm, Tandem is set to accelerate into its next chapter of growth in 2026.”
The board changes follow recent enhancements to Tandem’s leadership team, including Chandler’s arrival as CEO in June 2025, Ryan Heaps’ promotion to chief financial officer in November 2025, and the appointment of Russell Strevens as chief technology officer in December 2025.
