Market Harborough appoints Head of Mortgage Distribution

By Bridging Loan Directory 8th April 2024

Market Harborough Building Society, one of the UK’s fastest-growing societies, has appointed industry expert, Iain Smith, as its Head of Distribution.

In his new role, Iain will take responsibility for delivering continued growth as the Society drives towards becoming the UK’s specialist lender of choice.

He will provide strategic leadership to the mortgage sales teams and will work in partnership with brokers to deliver a service that is truly best for them.

The appointment follows another highly successful year for Market Harborough Building Society.

In 2023, it achieved mortgage book growth of more than 20 percent for the second consecutive year.

It was also awarded a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award in February 2024 for providing consistently outstanding service.

Commenting on his appointment, Iain said:

“Market Harborough Building Society is an ambitious and forward-thinking lender with a passionate commitment to mutuality.

I know what a valuable role building societies play when it comes to putting customers first and through its Thrive Agenda, Market Harborough is leading the way with a single-minded focus on supporting its brokers, members, colleagues and the community.

I’m joining a talented, driven team and can’t wait to help them build on their current success.

I look forward to further growing Market Harborough’s mortgage business by adding my experience of what brokers and clients want from a specialist lender and making it even easier for them to work with us.”

Iain Kirkpatrick, Market Harborough Building Society’s Chief Executive added:

“Iain has a wealth of experience and I’m excited about the new thinking he’ll bring to the Society.

We genuinely care about offering outstanding service and making decisions that are right for our partners – as demonstrated by our minimum 24-hour product withdrawal guarantee.

Part of Iain’s role is to deliver broker-focused initiatives and help even more clients secure the right mortgage.”

With many years experience in both the banking and mutual sectors, Iain has helped establish lenders’ broker subsidiaries like Accord.

He has also developed and led large sales teams.

He joins Market Harborough from the State Bank of India, where he was Head of Intermediaries and before that, he held senior positions at both the Bank of Ireland and Yorkshire Building Society.