United Trust Bank Mortgages has announced that Barry Luhmann has been appointed to the newly created role of customer support and strategy director – mortgages.

Dave Burke is taking over Luhmann’s previous role with a promotion to head of buy-to-let underwriting.

Luhmann (pictured) joined UTB in 2022 ahead of the bank’s launch into the buy-to-let market. In his new role, he will work closely with director of mortgages, Buster Tolfree, formulating and delivering UTB’s growth plans for the mortgage business.

Burke is tasked with providing a streamlined and high-quality service to introducers on all buy-to-let applications. Formerly a new lending manager in the mortgages team, the Bank will announce Burke’s successor in due course.

Tolfree said: “Our move into the buy-to-let mortgage market has been a real success story and Barry has played a key part in that. I’m delighted that he is moving into this newly created role, helping to shape the future of this fast-growing mortgage business as we look to develop our offering and distribution.

“Dave has had a similarly great year and will do an excellent job heading up buy-to-let underwriting. The product continues to go from strength to strength as brokers turn on to our flexible criteria and strong appetite to support landlords seeking value and higher yields by diversifying with more unusual rental properties.

“We love giving our people the opportunity to grow and take on new challenges and we always look to promote from within where possible. As one of the fastest growing divisions of the Bank, I’m sure it won’t be long before we share more exciting team news.”