Building society CEO to step down next year

Three other lenders make senior hires

Building society CEO to step down next year

One building society has announced that its chief executive will step down next year after eight years at the helm, while three other lenders have made key appointments aimed at strengthening their respective teams.

The Cumberland Building Society has revealed that Des Moore (pictured top), chief executive officer, will step aside in summer 2026. Moore, who will remain in post until mid-2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition, joined the society in 2018 at a time when it sought strategic redirection.

During his tenure, the organisation’s balance sheet grew by 32%, and he led its exit from non-core operations such as estate agency and financial advice. He also championed internal cultural reforms, achieving a 50% female representation in senior leadership roles, up from 19% in 2018.

Moore also steered the society through the pandemic with a hybrid working model, contributing to its three-star accreditation from Best Companies and multiple customer service awards. Most recently, he oversaw the society’s largest digital transformation project through a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, introducing new platforms for core banking and mortgage services.

“It has been a privilege to lead an organisation that does so much good for others,” Moore said. “I’m proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”

Meanwhile, later life mortgage specialist LiveMore has appointed Ian Sturla (pictured above left) as its new risk lead. Sturla, who has held senior roles at Lloyds Bank, Coutts, and most recently C. Hoare & Co., brings over 16 years of experience in risk and private banking.

“LiveMore offers a clear and compelling solution to age-based lending restrictions, and I’m proud to be joining a business that’s not only innovating in the mortgage space but also delivering real change,” Sturla said.

Also in the later life lending market, Standard Life Home Finance has named Phil Quinn (pictured above centre) as its new head of sales. Previously with Bluestone Mortgages and LiveMore, Quinn brings experience from several specialist lenders. He will lead adviser engagement and educational efforts around later life mortgage products, including the company’s adviser clinics.

“This is an exciting time to be joining such a forward-thinking later life lender,” Quinn said. “Later life lending products are solutions that all advisers… should be considering as standard for their clients.”

In another strategic hire, specialist finance lender Asset Advantage has brought on Jonty Cooke (pictured above right) as broker manager to strengthen broker relationships and support business growth. Cooke, previously at Bluestone Leasing and Corporate Asset Solutions, brings over a decade of experience in asset finance and broker management.

“This role presents an opportunity to bring fresh energy and perspective to the broker market,” Cooke said. “I look forward to working with Gary, our newly appointed sales director, as we bring this vision to life.”

These leadership changes reflect broader momentum within the financial services sector, particularly among lenders focusing on specialist and underserved markets.

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