New lending operations manager and BDM announced
New Zealand property fund manager First Mortgage Trust (FMT) has made two key appointments as it looks to increase its influence among advisers, particularly in Christchurch.
Sue Griffiths (pictured above left) joins First Mortgage Trust as the newly appointed lending operations manager, while George Wheelans (pictured above right) has been named as business development officer in the Christchurch office.
“Their expertise and experience will be instrumental in capitalising on the significant growth opportunities First Mortgage Trust has ahead as the non-bank lending industry continues to grow in New Zealand,” said Sam Burgess, head of lending at First Mortgage Trust.
The appointments come three months after FMT appointed Andrew Western as chief financial officer.
Who is FMT’s new lending operations manager?
Known for her extensive industry knowledge and experience, Griffiths has over three decades of expertise in leading teams through challenging environments, positioning her “perfectly for this role”, according to Burgess.
“We are excited about the valuable skills and strategic insights she will bring, which will undoubtedly enhance our lending operations and support our long-term growth objectives.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the team to help drive FMT's growth strategy and to continue supporting the aggregators and mortgage advisers through ongoing education and training,” Griffiths said.
Who is FMT’s new Christchurch BDM?
Wheelans joins FMT in a BDM role that is vital in expanding FMT's presence and fostering new relationships throughout Canterbury, according to Burgess.
This comes after FMT has looked to expand its operations in Christchurch over recent years.
The company said Wheelans’ extensive background in finance, lending, and portfolio management, coupled with his deep connection to the local market, will be “hugely beneficial” to the team.
“George brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at ANZ, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in cultivating client relationships and driving business growth,” Burgess said.
“His proven track record and comprehensive knowledge of the financial landscape make him an ideal fit for this role. We are confident that George’s expertise and connections will significantly contribute to our expansion efforts and strengthen our position in the Canterbury market.”
Over $1 billion in funds
First Mortgage Managers, the manager of FMT, has been managing funds since 1996.
The company offers investment options secured by first mortgages on a variety of properties, including commercial, industrial, retail, residential, and rural projects.
First Mortgage Managers manages over $1.67 billion in funds for its 6,500 investors.
