In the newly created role, Kala will assume responsibility for transformation as part of her project management remit.

She has extensive experience operating with companies which have a technology-led focus, having held senior roles throughout her career, including director of sales and operations at Mojo Mortgages and VP of operations at Habito.

She also previously provided consultancy services to CSF.

Gareth, who has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage and consumer credit markets, will provide direction and counsel to the Crystal Group board on all matters relating to growth strategy.

Between September 2012 and August 2018, he was CEO at Ocean Finance.

Currently, he is also a consultant for New Wave Ventures LLP.

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Gareth said: “I am a huge admirer of CSF and everything they have done to bring specialist finance into the mainstream. 

“The last 12 months has demonstrated that the business is built on extremely solid foundations and its five-year plan is challenging but exciting; it’s time to raise the bar once again.”

Jo Breeden, managing director at CSF, commented: “We are resolute in our aim to become the most respected, multi-channel distributor in the UK mortgage marketplace, and for this to be achieved we need a senior management team which can help us achieve this goal.

“Our five-year plan has huge emphasis on driving technology innovation in the specialist sector. 

“We aim to use data wisely and create best-in-class interaction, so every application delivers a positive outcome for our broker partners and their clients.

“I feel incredibly proud that Gareth and Kala, people of such amazing calibre and integrity, are choosing to be part of our journey.”