Sinclair steps down in February after over a decade at the helm
The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has announced the appointment of Stephanie Charman (pictured) as its next chief executive.
Charman will succeed Robert Sinclair, who will step down in February 2025 after more than a decade at the helm of the trade body.
Charman, currently group partnerships and propositions director at Sesame Bankhall Group, will assume her new role on February 24, 2025. She brings over 25 years of experience in mortgage distribution, including positions at Positive Lending and Mortgage Intelligence, as well as her most recent seven-year tenure at Sesame Bankhall.
Charman’s appointment follows what AMI described as an “exhaustive search” to find a leader with the experience and vision to guide the organisation into the future.
Sinclair’s departure in February 2025 will mark the end of a distinguished tenure that has significantly shaped AMI’s role in the mortgage industry. Sinclair joined AMI in 2008, later establishing it as an independent organisation in 2012. His career also includes senior roles in personal, private, and corporate banking with HSBC and Santander. He announced his retirement in September.
AMI chair Andrew Montlake lauded Sinclair’s leadership, describing him as a “pivotal figure” in the industry.
“Robert’s unwavering commitment to the mortgage industry and efforts to foster collaboration between regulators, trade bodies, lenders, and brokers have left an indelible mark on the sector,” said Montlake, who also expressed confidence in Charman’s ability to lead the organisation.
“Steph really impressed us with her clear passion for the industry, especially the importance of intermediary-led advice, understanding the needs of mortgage brokers, and her determination to lead AMI into a bright new dawn,” he said. “I am excited to work with her on growing the reach of AMI, continuing to build and improve relationships with regulators and other trade bodies, and ensuring we provide exceptional value to our members.”
Sinclair also expressed his confidence in his successor, saying that in appointing Charman, the trade body “has taken a critical step in passing ownership of our industry to the next generation.”
Commenting on her appointment, Charman said she was “genuinely thrilled”.
“Throughout my years of working across the intermediary sector, I have been a passionate promoter of the need and value of advice,” she stated. “It’s a privilege to take on the responsibility of continuing the high standards already established while evolving AMI’s mission to address the current and future needs of advisers.
“Robert has been an exceptional advocate for our sector, tirelessly representing the needs and challenges faced by advisers. I am truly honoured to pick up the mantle and lead AMI into its next chapter.”
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