United Trust Bank has appointed Brad Rhodes as head of clubs and networks within its mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging division as it continues to expand its intermediary distribution strategy.
Rhodes (pictured) joins the specialist lender from Pepper Money UK, where he spent the last four years as national key account manager, working with mortgage networks, clubs, packagers and intermediary firms.
Before joining Pepper Money, he held senior intermediary relationship roles at Santander and Platform, building partnerships across the broker market and gaining extensive experience in intermediary distribution.
Reporting to Caroline Mirakian, proposition and marketing director – mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging, Rhodes will be responsible for developing relationships with mortgage clubs, networks and key distribution partners across UTB’s residential mortgage, buy-to-let, bridging and second charge lending businesses.
The lender said he would play a key role in helping more intermediaries access its specialist lending products while supporting the bank’s growth plans.
The appointment comes as UTB continues to invest in its mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging division. Over the past year, the bank has introduced a range of service, criteria and technology enhancements aimed at improving application journeys, reducing turnaround times and providing brokers with greater flexibility when placing specialist lending cases.
Mirakian said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Brad to UTB. We have ambitious plans across our mortgages, buy-to-let, bridging and second charge businesses and strong relationships with clubs and networks are central to achieving those goals.
“Brad brings tremendous experience, energy and market knowledge, together with a genuine passion for the intermediary sector. Having spent many years working with clubs, networks and brokers, he understands exactly what intermediary partners need from lender relationships and how important those partnerships are in delivering great customer outcomes.”
Rhodes said: “I am thrilled to be joining UTB at such an exciting time. Throughout my career I have worked closely with brokers, clubs and networks and have always been passionate about the specialist lending sector, where some of the most rewarding work happens helping customers find solutions that may not be available elsewhere.
“UTB has built an outstanding reputation for service, specialist expertise and broker support, and there is a real momentum behind the business. My focus is simple: to build strong, lasting partnerships with clubs and networks, help grow distribution in a way that genuinely works for intermediaries.
“I am looking forward to working with our partners and helping even more brokers understand the opportunities available through UTB’s expanding range of specialist lending solutions.”
