Lee Travis, who was appointed as the new head of professional development at the Personal Finance Society (PFS) in November, has also been confirmed as head of professional development at the Society of Mortgage Professionals (SMP).

Travis (pictured) will take over from Gary Little who leaves the society at the end of the year to take up a new post at TMA, having been head of operations & membership for nearly two years.

Travis joined the PFS from New Model Business Academy, which he headed-up for the past five years.

During his 20-month tenure, Little helped re-shape the proposition, raise the profile and saw membership rise to a record level.

Keith Richards, Personal Finance Society chief executive, said: “With his extensive knowledge of the mortgage sector, Lee will continue to build and enhance the society’s role amongst its 8,000 members, following the excellent leadership Gary provided.

“Lee’s professional development expertise will help facilitate a genuine opportunity for the mortgage and protection sector to align with other professions, as it seeks to evolve from within, rather than be driven from a regulatory perspective.

“I would like to thank Gary for all his hard work and commitment. I am sure he will be a success in his new venture.”