Glenhawk has appointed John Butt to the newly created role of head of credit policy.

Butt (pictured) brings over 20 years’ experience in the specialist lending sector, and will support with the development and launch of a range of new products, including a buy-to-let offering.

Butt, who will be based in London and report directly to Damani Johnson, chief operating officer, will be responsible for credit policy across Glenhawk’s existing and future product range. He will work closely with the underwriting and sales team to further refine the lending process, including optimising the loan application process, from assisting with complex enquiries through to approving high loan requests and agreeing policy exceptions.

Butt was previously head of credit policy at Foundation Homeloans and prior to that, Vida Homeloans. In both roles he was responsible for risk analysis and credit policy formulation across all lending products, including buy-to-let, residential, commercial and mixed-use assets.

Guy Harrington, CEO of Glenhawk, said: “John’s proven track record establishing credit policies and successfully advising on portfolio transactions and complex credit situations will be essential as we look to put in place the systems and processes to successfully launch new products later this year.

“Delivering on our growth ambitions will require us to qualify an even higher volume of applications, whilst maintaining the highest standards of client service, and John’s appointment is key to ensuring we have the necessary infrastructure to achieve this.”

Butt added: “Glenhawk has firmly established itself as a market leader in the UK bridging sector, marrying an entrepreneurial and innovative approach with institutional style practices.

“As the macroeconomic backdrop improves, I’m hugely excited to be joining the talented team with responsibility for driving continued excellence across what is already a very strong credit policy function.”