Gen H has announced the appointments of Maria Harris and Peter Walker to its board as non-executive directors (NEDs).

The announcement follows the recent appointment of Tony Ward, a board member since 2020, as chair of the board of directors.

Harris and Walker join Gen H after the business surpassed its entire 2023 new business volume in the first four and a half months of 2024.

Both Harris and Walker bring extensive experience in commercial asset management and mortgage lending to their work with Gen H.

Harris joins Gen H’s board after time on the executive team at Atom bank where she worked as director of intermediary lending. Earlier, she led mortgage distribution at HBoS and Lloyds Banking Group. She is a non-executive director of United Trust Bank, and founder and chair of the Open Property Data Association. She is an adviser to mortgage broker Coreco and FinTech North.

Walker will chair Gen H’s Board Risk & Audit Committee. Walker is a chartered accountant and brings significant experience in regulated mortgage lending, loan servicing, business management and debt capital markets. He began his career at EY and subsequently worked as a managing director and board member of companies engaged in loan servicing and asset management in the UK, USA and throughout Europe, most recently for BCM Global. He is also an investor in and advisor to fintech and proptech companies.

Harris said: “It’s hugely exciting to be joining Gen H as they move into the next phase of their strategy. Their commitment to technology and ambition to support first-time buyers have never been more relevant. I’m looking forward to working with Tony, the board and a very talented management team.”

Walker added: “It is a pleasure to join the board of Gen H, an innovative mortgage lender, with a real sense of purpose to provide mortgage products which better meet the needs of first-time buyers in the UK. The company has a talented team, an expert board of directors and supportive investors. It is poised for growth.”

Will Rice, CEO of Gen H, said: “The business has moved in a very positive direction this year, and as we gear up to bring new products to market and pursue profitability, it’s more important than ever that we have the support and expertise of non-executive directors such as Maria and Peter. I am delighted to welcome them to the business and look forward to everything we will accomplish together.”