LendInvest Mortgages has named John Eastgate as its new chief commercial officer.

Eastgate (pictured) joins the London-listed lender a time when the business is seeking to deepen its broker relationships, improve borrower retention and enhance its use of data and AI to deliver faster, more efficient property finance.

His appointment comes as LendInvest looks to grow its lending book and improve profitability in the 2025–26 financial year.

WIDE REMIT

In his new role, Eastgate will lead LendInvest’s commercial division with a remit that spans pricing, marketing, distribution and operations. He is expected to drive the optimisation of the firm’s product range to ensure it remains competitive and aligned with borrower needs, while also helping to manage acquisition costs and improve the lender’s marketing efficiency.

LendInvest said the hire reflects a clear focus on long-term sustainable growth through proposition design, disciplined pricing and technological innovation.

Eastgate will oversee the adoption of AI-powered systems and expanded use of data analytics to speed up underwriting and drawdown processes, while also supporting efforts to increase repeat business.

TIMELY MOVE

Rod Lockart, chief executive of LendInvest, described the appointment as a timely move in light of market dynamics.

“All of us at LendInvest are aware of both the challenges and opportunities facing the UK property market, and that’s why I’m thrilled to welcome John Eastgate as the first chief commercial officer,” he said.

“John’s expertise will be crucial in accelerating our strategic objectives of lending growth, enhancing our operational efficiency, and driving our profitability.

“John’s leadership will impact our product mix, deepening broker relationships and leveraging innovations in AI and data to streamline our operations.

“Looking ahead, he will be instrumental in delivering customer-focused propositions, ultimately solidifying LendInvest’s position as a pre-eminent alternative finance provider in the UK.”

“UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITY”

Eastgate, a well-known figure in the UK lending sector, brings with him experience of steering businesses through similar challenges and opportunities. Speaking on his appointment, he said the role represented an unmissable opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most high-profile alternative lenders.

“After speaking with Rod and his team, it quickly became clear that taking on this role was an opportunity I could not pass up,” he said.

“I bring to the role the experience of having navigated the same challenging market dynamics and growth opportunities that LendInvest can see now.

“There is huge potential in the depth of people talent here, and as I step into this new role, I’m excited by the opportunity to foster an environment in which my colleagues can grow and demonstrate their expertise.

“It feels like a great time to join LendInvest, and I look forward to helping to propel LendInvest’s future as a leader in innovation in the UK property market.”