Vernon Building Society has appointed Damien Sabbaghe as intermediary business development manager as it looks to grow its broker presence across England and Wales.

The Greater Manchester-based mutual said Sabbaghe will operate as an in-the-field BDM, with a focus on expanding its national broker network beyond its North West heartland into central and southern regions.

Sabbaghe (pictured) brings 20 years of financial services experience, having begun his career as a mortgage adviser before moving into intermediary-facing roles.

He has spent more than 15 years working within the intermediary mortgage market, most recently at Coventry Building Society, supporting broker firms with complex cases.

The appointment comes as Vernon seeks to build on a refreshed mortgage proposition, with an emphasis on specialist lending and cases involving non-standard borrower circumstances.

Brendan Crowshaw, head of mortgage and savings distribution at Vernon Building Society, said: “Damien joins the Vernon at an exciting time. We have just revitalised our mortgage proposition and have a range of specialist and competitive products for borrowers with unusual or complex circumstances.

“This gives Damien a really clear pitch to develop new broker relationships with. His decades of experience and existing broker network made him the perfect candidate.”

Sabbaghe added: “I said in my interview that in many ways Vernon Building Society is one of the best kept secrets for complex mortgages.

“I cannot wait to change that by raising awareness and growing the Vernon’s reputation amongst brokers who need a more flexible and individual approach.”