It also announces other leadership changes
Specialist lender Paragon Bank has announced the appointment of Louisa Sedgwick (pictured) as managing director of its mortgages division.
Sedgwick, who joined Paragon in April 2023, succeeds Richard Rowntree, who will be moving on to a new role within the financial services sector.
Sedgwick brings over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry to her new role. She previously served as Paragon’s commercial director of mortgages, where she played a key role in restructuring the mortgage sales function and enhancing the company’s product offerings with a focus on networks and clubs. Her prior experience includes leadership roles at Hampshire Trust Bank, Vida Homeloans, Leeds Building Society, and Bradford & Bingley.
Paragon also announced additional leadership changes within its mortgages division. Russell Anderson, currently the customer retention and partnerships director, will take over Sedgwick’s previous role as commercial director. Lisa Steele, who is currently head of mortgage underwriting, has been promoted to mortgage lending director.
See LinkedIn post here.
Commenting on her appointment, Sedgwick expressed enthusiasm for her new role, adding that she is “proud to be leading Paragon’s mortgages division into what will be its 30th year in the buy-to-let market.”
“Under Richard, and John Heron before him, Paragon has developed into the leading specialist buy-to-let lender in the market, enjoying an excellent reputation and boasting one of the best teams in the business,” Sedgwick said. “I look forward to building on their fantastic work.
“We are entering an exciting phase of our development with the imminent launch of our new, bespoke mortgage origination platform, with further digitalisation programmes also in the roadmap. With the buy-to-let market increasingly driven by portfolio landlords, we are well-placed to benefit from market growth.”
Nigel Terrington, chief executive at Paragon Banking Group, said he was delighted that Louisa is stepping up to the mortgages managing director role.
“Her extensive experience and esteemed reputation in the mortgage sector, coupled with her dynamic leadership and strategic vision, make her the ideal candidate to steer Paragon towards our next stage of development and success,” Terrington added.
“Richard leaves with our thanks and gratitude. He has made a huge impact at Paragon over the last five years, not only in driving forward our mortgages digitalisation programme and the broader growth in new lending, but also for his work in social mobility through initiatives such as Progress Together. We wish him well for the future.”
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