The UK’s largest peer-to-peer lending platform appoints Head of Communications and PR Manager.

RateSetter has bolstered its communications team as the business continues on its fast-paced growth trajectory.

John Battersby joins as RateSetter’s first Head of Communications, a role which also encompasses corporate affairs; whilst Luke O’Mahony joins as PR Manager to head up the company’s media outreach programme.

Battersby joins RateSetter from Lloyd's of London, where he spent over three years as Deputy Head of Communications, overseeing a wide range of corporate communications and marketing functions. He also brings with him a wealth of experience and insight from his previous roles as Head of Communications Strategy and Head of News at HM Treasury during the financial crisis.

Battersby commented: “I am thrilled to join RateSetter and very excited to be part of such a fast-paced, innovative and dynamic business.  Excellent communications and corporate affairs will be essential for RateSetter as it continues to grow and flourish and I hope that my skills and experience will contribute to the company’s ongoing success.”

O’Mahony joins from PR agency Brazil, where he spent six years working on devising communications campaigns for a variety of personal finance and motoring clients.

O’Mahony also commented: “P2P lending is a really exciting, fast-growing industry which I’ve been lucky enough to work on and see develop throughout my career. I’m looking forward to working with the industry leader to further educate both the media and the British public about the opportunities available within the sector.”

RateSetter, which is now the largest P2P platform in the UK, witnessed a growth rate of over 175% for the last year and secured a £20million round of funding from high-profile backers such as Neil Woodford in March 2015.

Commenting on the new appointments, Rhydian Lewis, CEO and Founder of RateSetter, said: “I’m delighted to welcome John and Luke to our team. The growth we’ve witnessed as a business over the past year has been phenomenal, and John and Luke will help us decisively improve our capacity and capability to deliver great communications to our key audiences as RateSetter continues to lead the Peer to Peer industry.”