Hanley Economic Building Society has named Oliver Slimm as its new head of credit risk and lending strategy, strengthening its senior team as it looks to expand its position in the mortgage market.

Slimm (pictured) joins with more than a decade of experience in credit risk and underwriting, including eight years at Dudley Building Society where he was head of credit risk and underwriting.

He later spent three years at retirement mortgage specialist more2life as credit strategist, while also serving as vice chair of the board and chair of the audit and risk committee at Wolverhampton City Credit Union.

In his new role at Hanley Economic, Slimm will be responsible for shaping the society’s credit risk framework and ensuring that its lending strategies remain both sustainable and aligned to the needs of members. He will work closely with colleagues on product development, risk appetite and intermediary support.

Mark Selby, chief executive of Hanley Economic, said Slimm brought “a strong understanding of credit risk and a track record in shaping lending strategies that are aligned to both customer need and sustainable growth”.

He added that Slimm’s experience across specialist areas would help the society “develop our proposition, ensuring we continue to deliver solutions that reflect the real-life circumstances of a broad range of borrowers”.

Slimm said he was joining at “an exciting time” for the mutual, adding: “The dedication and passion within the Hanley team is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to be joining the society as we continue to optimise what we already do well, explore new lending propositions, and demonstrate to the market the true depth of our capabilities.”

Founded in 1854, Hanley Economic has more than 20,000 members and seven branches across Staffordshire, including its headquarters at Festival Park in Stoke-on-Trent.