Keystone Property Finance has appointed Steve Griffiths as commercial director, adding a senior industry figure as the specialist buy-to-let lender looks to expand its distribution and sharpen its proposition.

Griffiths (pictured) will work with chief executive David Whittaker and managing director Elise Coole, with responsibility for sales and product marketing as Keystone enters what it described as its next phase of growth.

He joins from Shawbrook Bank, where he was commercial director for retail mortgage brands including The Mortgage Lender and Bluestone. Keystone said he brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, with a background in the specialist mortgage market.

The lender said Griffiths had played a central role in growing distribution in the intermediary sector and in shaping product and pricing strategy during his time at Shawbrook.

The appointment follows a recent increase in Keystone’s funding capacity, after the completion of a new funding line. The lender has also been adding to its sales team as it seeks to scale up its operations.

Coole said: “Steve is widely respected across the industry and brings a wealth of experience in building and delivering successful strategies within the specialist lending market.

“His appointment comes at an exciting time for our business. With our recent funding line in place, we are well positioned to strengthen our proposition and continue improving the experience we deliver to brokers and their clients. Steve’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us achieve that.”

Griffiths added: “It’s hugely exciting to be joining Keystone. The business has built a strong reputation in the specialist buy-to-let market, underpinned by a clear commitment to brokers and their clients.

“I am looking forward to working with Elise, David and the wider team to build on their success, drive growth and continue enhancing the proposition, reinforcing Keystone’s position as a trusted lending choice for intermediaries.”