Pepper Money has announced the appointment of Sam Marshall as a non-executive director following the completion of its integration with Optimum Credit.

Marshall (pictured), who had been CEO of Optimum Credit since its launch in 2013, has more than 40 years’ experience in the second charge mortgage market. He was previously joint managing director and founder of Nemo Personal Finance in 2004 and founder director of First Plus Financial Group with responsibility for intermediary and direct distribution in 1997.

Laurence Morey, CEO at Pepper Money, said: “My special thanks go to Sam Marshall for the pivotal role he has played in the development of the second charge business in his role as one of the founders and CEO of Optimum Credit.

“Following the execution of the merger Sam has taken the opportunity to transform his role from CEO of Optimum Credit into becoming a non-executive director of our new Pepper Money venture. I have benefitted significantly from Sam’s experience and generosity over the past three years and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sam in his new role over the coming years.”

Marshall added: “I am very proud that Optimum Credit has now successfully integrated with Pepper Money and look forward to taking on a new role within the business to help drive its further development and build upon the fantastic legacy we have already built with the Optimum Credit brand.

“I am proud and grateful of all our team who have helped us to get to this stage and I look forward to helping guide the business in this exciting next stage of its journey.”