LendInvest Mortgages has appointed Darrell Walker as managing director of mortgages to lead the specialist lender’s mortgage division.
Walker’s immediate focus includes optimising LendInvest’s product mix to ensure its offering remains competitive, differentiated and aligned with borrowers’ needs.
He also leads efforts to increase engagement with the broker community, improve borrower retention and refine the lender’s customer acquisition strategy.
The appointment comes as LendInvest expands its proposition, including the recent launch of a semi-commercial buy-to-let range designed to help property professionals diversify into higher-value assets.
RECORD ORIGINATIONS
Walker joins following a record financial year for LendInvest, during which annual loan originations reach £1.44bn – an increase of 17% on the previous year.
The appointment supports the lender’s strategy of delivering long-term growth through its broker-led distribution model.
John Eastgate, chief commercial officer at LendInvest, says: “It really is a pivotal moment here at LendInvest as we enter into this next phase from a position of strength.
“Darrell is a statement hire for LendInvest. He is well-respected in the industry, and as a leader he will bring a depth of experience and strategic awareness to the team. His arrival reinforces our commitment to the long-term and sustainable growth of our broker-led business model.
“We’re coming off a record-breaking year for new lending, and we’re continuing to introduce new offerings like semi-commercial buy-to-let. As the market evolves, we need to continue to tell our story through delivering competitive and reliable solutions that meet the changing needs of borrowers and property investors.”
BROKER RELATIONSHIPS A PRIORITY
Walker adds: “What drew me to LendInvest was the company culture, market-leading technology and the fantastic team doing innovative work.
“In today’s evolving market, brokers and their clients need speed, flexibility, and absolute certainty that a lender will deliver on. LendInvest is exceptionally well-placed to make the mortgage process simple for everyone.
“While LendInvest is respected in the industry, our broad proposition makes us sort of a ‘best-kept secret’, and I’m looking forward to changing that. My priority is to continue to build lasting broker relationships and ensure more intermediaries across England, Scotland and Wales have the opportunity to experience our service and expertise firsthand.”
