"As the company’s COO, Barry is already very familiar with both the industry and the aims of the business and was a natural choice to fill the role."
Searle will replace Alex Upton, who left the role to join Masthaven as sales director for its long-term lending division.
Castle Trust has also appointed Stuart Sykes as operations director. Sykes joins from MyJar, where he has been group customer operations director for the last four years, and has previously held roles at ICICI Bank, RBS and Lloyds Banking Group.
Martin Bischoff, chief executive officer, said: “As the company’s COO, Barry is already very familiar with both the industry and the aims of the business and was a natural choice to fill the role. He has contributed enormously to the success of the business so far and will be a pivotal part of our transition to become a bank.
“Stuart has extensive experience in the lending environment, particularly in consumer finance. We are delighted that he has chosen to join us as we move into Castle Trust’s next phase.”
