Industry veteran Cammy Amaira is set to retire next month, finally closing the chapter on an illustrious 45-year career in the mortgage sector that has spanned seismic shifts in the industry.
Amaira’s journey began in 1975 at Bradford & Bingley where he spent 29 years with the mutual before its transformation into a bank in 2000.
Rising through the ranks, he capped his tenure there as head of sales for Mortgage Express, the firm’s specialist buy-to-let mortgage division, steering it through a period of significant growth and change in the UK housing market.
In 2004, Amaira moved to Intelligent Finance (IF), then a subsidiary of HBOS, taking up the role of director of sales.
His career then pivoted toward building societies, where he became a passionate advocate for their role in the intermediary market – a vital growth channel for lenders navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.
His expertise in this area led to numerous senior positions, including head of intermediary sales at the Family Building Society and, later, sales and marketing director at the Tipton and Coseley Building Society where he honed their market presence with a blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership.
FIRST-TIME UNLUCKY
Amaira initially stepped away from the industry five years ago, intending to retire.
But his deep knowledge and reputation proved hard to leave behind.
The Family Building Society soon lured him back as head of strategy, where he mentored new head of sales Darren Deacon and played an instrumental role in refining the society’s intermediary-focused offerings – an effort that bolstered its standing among brokers and borrowers alike.
Now, after nearly half a century of service, Amaira is ready to trade spreadsheets for scorecards, eager to refine his golf handicap and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Amaira told Mortgage Soup: “It’s been a privilege to spend so many years in this dynamic industry. I’ve had the good fortune to collaborate with countless talented individuals across all corners of the mortgage world and I’m proud to count so many of them as friends.”
His departure marks the end of an era for an industry figure whose steady hand and sharp insight have left an indelible mark on the mortgage landscape.
HUGE SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE
Darren Deacon, Family Building Society head of intermediary sales, said: “Cammy has been a huge source of knowledge to me and the team and I have personally tapped into this over the last three years.
“His passion to exceed all targets and deliver excellent customer outcomes has not diminished and it has been a pleasure working so closely together.”
He added: “Cammy has used his extensive contacts to re-affirm FBS as a growing lender and his mortgage insight will be hugely missed by the Society. However, I know we will remain in touch where we can play a round of golf and enjoy a pint!.”
