HLPartnership has announced plans for a leadership transition that will see BetterHome Group chief executive Rudi Botha take over the day-to-day leadership of the mortgage and protection network, subject to FCA approval.

The proposed change follows a period of growth for the network under the leadership of Chris Tanner, who has confirmed his intention to step back from executive responsibilities while remaining involved as a board adviser to Josewin.

During Tanner’s tenure, HLP has grown to support almost 600 member firms and 1,200 advisers, with annual lending volumes approaching £14 billion. The network has also invested in its own technology, strengthened relationships with lenders and providers, and expanded its adviser support, compliance and protection proposition.

Botha, who is chief executive of BetterHome Group, is expected to assume leadership of HLP following regulatory approval. The move follows BetterHome Group’s strategic investment in the network in 2024.

HLP said its existing governance and management arrangements will remain in place until the FCA approval process has been completed. It added that member firms, advisers and lender and provider partners would continue working with their usual contacts, with no disruption to day-to-day support, compliance services, technology priorities or partner relationships.

Tanner (main picture) said: “It has been a privilege to lead HLP and to work alongside such a talented team, committed member firms and valued partners. HLP has always been built on relationships, trust and a genuine commitment to supporting advisers, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.

“Rudi brings real entrepreneurial energy, a people-focused leadership style and deep experience in building technology-enabled businesses that support consumers, advisers and partners across the home ownership journey.

“Since BetterHome Group’s investment in HLP, he has shown genuine respect for the culture of the business, the strength of our member firms, and the relationships that have helped build the network.

“I am confident he is the right person to lead HLP into its next chapter, and I am pleased to remain involved at board level to support that journey.”

Botha added: “Chris has built HLP into one of the UK’s leading mortgage and protection networks, and I am grateful to be picking up the baton from someone who has led the business with such distinction. The culture, the people and the partner-first approach that Chris and the HLP team have built are exactly what drew us to the business.

“The UK mortgage market is one of the most sophisticated and entrepreneurial in the world, and HLP sits at the heart of it.

“Our focus is to protect what makes HLP special while investing in the areas that will help member firms grow, including technology, data, proposition development, adviser support and deeper partnerships across the mortgage and protection market.”