PRIMIS Mortgage Network has announced the appointment of Chris Astle as regional sales director (RSD).

His main responsibility will be overseeing the recruitment of new appointed representative (AR) firms and advisers into the network.

Astle joins from Sesame Bankhall Group where he was senior recruitment manager, and brings with him almost eight years of financial services experience.

He will also be responsible for exploring and executing new avenues for recruitment opportunities to help AR firms maximise their growth potential.

Richard Coulson, business development director at PRIMIS Mortgage Network, said: “We are very excited to welcome Chris to the network as we continue to solidify our position as the leading mortgage and protection network.

“We are confident that with his support and knowledge, we’ll be able to encourage more advisers to join our flourishing team and, ultimately, ensure that more customers are supported with positive outcomes. As such, Chris’ skills, expertise and connections will be invaluable to PRIMIS’ overall growth plans.

“As we continue to enhance our proposition, key hires will ensure that the network as a whole is supported and well-equipped to cater for growing consumer demand – and this will continue to be a major focus for us throughout 2020.”

Astle added: “I am very much looking forward to joining PRIMIS and assisting with its ongoing recruitment efforts. Coming from a recruitment background will allow me to help the wider network develop and strengthen its growing broker community.

“Over recent years, PRIMIS has proved itself to be a major player in the distribution market and I hope to be an integral part in its plans to become an even bigger and stronger network.”