Gary Little has been confirmed as the new head of operations & membership at The Society of Mortgage Professionals.

Little (pictured) has worked in financial services for 25 years, specialising in the mortgage and protection sector.

He was latterly head of distribution at Assurant Solutions and before that, a national account manager for various mortgage brands within HBOS and Lloyds Banking Group.

Little’s initial focus will be on further developing the society’s proposition to better support the changing needs of members in their professional development, and building on a combined strategy with the Personal Finance Society to raise consumer awareness of the benefits and value of engaging professional advice services.

He said: “I am passionate about the mortgage and protection sector and now, with the Society of Mortgage Professionals, have a great opportunity to contribute on a wider basis in the drive towards higher standards and improved consumer outcomes.”

Keith Richards, chief executive of the Society of Mortgage Professionals added: “The MMR highlighted the importance of professional mortgage advice with a flight to quality and better consumer protection.

“Now there is an opportunity for the profession to influence the future course of direction and we are working collaboratively with with other organisations, including AMI and CML, to deliver better outcomes for consumers and our members alike, thereby reducing the need for regulatory intervention. Gary’s experience and passion will be key in ensuring we deliver against our aspirations for the profession.”

The society confirmed that member feedback clearly indicates an accompanying appetite for increased professional standards – without the need for further regulatory intervention. Consequently, it is currently building a strategy to help advisers from a qualification, a technical and a business relevant CPD perspective.

Little is currently chairing a series of ‘Great mortgage market revival’ roadshows, running at eight regional centres throughout June.

“This is providing me with a great opportunity to listen to members,” he commented, “and get a first-hand account of what they see as the priorities for the future.”

The Chartered Insurance Institute created the Society of Mortgage Professionals in 2005 to provide focus and momentum for the professional development of all those working in the mortgage market, across lending, administration, advice & broking, and associated support functions. It provides a broad portfolio of services to help organisations nurture the development of their staff within a culture of professional excellence.