Catalyst appoints head of national accounts and three BDMs

The new hires join existing BDM Ciaran Courtney.

Related topics:  New Hire,  Catalyst
Rozi Jones | Editor, Financial Reporter
5th December 2025
Catalyst new hires December 2025

Catalyst Property Finance is bolstering its support for intermediaries with four new appointments to its external new business team.

Andy Reid has been appointed to the newly established role of head of national accounts, bringing expertise from specialist lenders including TAB, Hampshire Trust Bank, and InterBay. 

He is joined by three business development managers: Gemma Roberts (previously at UTB and Together), Tim Horne (formerly of Paragon and Magellan), and Tony Grillo (ex-Masthaven and Together).

Spencer Gale, sales director at Catalyst, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Catalyst. Bringing in Gemma, Tim, Tony, and Andy gives us a powerhouse of experience, regional strength, and ambition. Each of them brings something unique to our growth journey, but what unites them is their drive to support brokers and deliver outstanding service. Catalyst is in a period of incredible momentum, and these appointments reflect our commitment to continued growth, stronger broker relationships, and even better national coverage. With this team in place, our reach and support for brokers across the UK has never been stronger.”

Andy Reid, head of national accounts at Catalyst, commented: “I’ve worked in the industry for 35 years, the last 20 within specialist lending, holding roles of sales director and head of sales at bridging lenders. I’m so thrilled to be joining Catalyst. I already have an affinity with some of the senior management team, as well as the internal team, and I know they are people I will work well with. I was also attracted by Catalyst’s product suite and vision to enhance this with a wider range of products. Catalyst’s culture and ‘one team’ philosophy also appealed to me, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Gemma Roberts, BDM for the North, said: “I have been in the property finance industry for over 20 years. My most recent roles have been at Together, where I worked as a BDM, and most recently as a BDM at UTB in the bridging division for the North. Catalyst’s reputation and approach to lending attracted me, and I believe their culture and values align with my own professional style. I’m looking forward to connecting with existing and new brokers in the North to promote Catalyst’s proposition, and I am excited to be a part of the growth plans and working in collaboration with the experienced sales and internal team.”

Tim Horne, BDM for the Midlands, commented: “I have been within financial services for 30 years now, working in various roles, including three years as a broker. I have worked for a few different lenders, with the most recent being Paragon. I was there for seven years covering the specialist lending market, in particular buy-to-let, and collaborated with brokers of all sizes across the Midlands. I was keen to join the Catalyst team, as I already know their sales director, Spencer Gale, and their marketing director, Anna Bennett, and Catalyst has a good reputation within the industry. I’m looking forward to being part of Catalyst’s growth progression, learning new product ranges, and sharing my expertise from the complex buy-to-let market.”

Tony Grillo, Home Counties BDM, added: “I have worked in the specialist finance industry for 24 years for both lenders and packagers, and in a variety of roles including underwriter, internal sales and business development. My most recent roles have been at Together and Masthaven, where I was a BDM for London and the Home Counties. I have previously worked alongside Catalyst’s CEO, Chris Fairfax, many years ago! I also know Spencer Gale very well through industry connections, so it will be great to work alongside people I know and respect. In a way, it feels like coming back home! I’m very excited about the huge growth phase Catalyst has planned for next year and look forward to being part of that journey.”

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