Brokerage names chief marketing officer; bank recruits chief risk officer
Two players in the UK’s financial services sector have announced key executive appointments to strengthen their leadership teams.
L&C Mortgages, one of the UK’s largest mortgage and protection brokers, has appointed Gemma Bacon (pictured left) as chief marketing officer.
Bacon brings extensive experience in financial services, including roles at Zenith and Mortgage Advice Bureau. In her new role, she will oversee L&C’s marketing, partnership, and communications teams, reporting to the chief operating officer and serving on the executive committee.
Bacon’s appointment follows recent leadership additions at L&C, including Graham Nisbet as chief technology officer and Steve Maydew as chief financial officer.
Commenting on her appointment, Bacon said she was delighted to join the team and to further progress the L&C brand.
“L&C is a brand that already carries so much weight in the mortgage sector, but I’m also excited at the additional potential it has to offer,” she said. “I look forward to working with the team, as we continue to develop the proposition for our customers and drive to be the household name in mortgage advice.”
Meanwhile, specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has named James Royle (pictured right) as its new chief risk officer, effective March 2025.
Royle, who most recently served as chief risk officer at Recognise Bank, brings more than two decades of experience, including senior roles at HSBC. He succeeds Mike Hudson, who is stepping back from full-time executive duties to pursue non-executive director opportunities.
“We are very pleased to welcome someone of James’ calibre and experience to the team,” Donald Kerr, chief executive at Cambridge & Counties Bank, said on Royle’s appointment.
“Risk management has continued to rise up the list of critical business responsibilities, and he and his team will play an intrinsic role in helping us deliver on our organisational goals and deliver excellence to our clients.”
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