LHV Bank has appointed former Starling Bank executive Damian Thompson as its next chief executive, with plans to expand its UK lending business, particularly in the SME market.
Thompson (pictured) will take up the position of chief executive officer and executive director on 4 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
The appointment comes as the UK subsidiary of Estonia’s AS LHV Group prepares to increase its lending activities, building on its digital banking infrastructure.
Thompson brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial services, including senior positions at NatWest Markets, Starling Bank and Fleet Mortgages.
EXPERIENCE IN SPECIALIST LENDING
After almost two decades at NatWest Markets, Thompson joined Starling’s executive team in 2021, taking responsibility for lending and asset management during a period of expansion.
During his tenure, Starling’s loan portfolio increased to more than £5 billion, with growth concentrated in mortgage and SME lending.
In 2023, he became chief executive of Fleet Mortgages, Starling’s specialist buy-to-let lending subsidiary. His responsibilities subsequently expanded to include Starling’s SME banking products, retail overdrafts and loan products.
Thompson also chaired UK Finance’s Specialist Banks Advisory Forum until earlier this year. The forum represents banking institutions outside the UK’s five largest banks.
His appointment gives LHV Bank a chief executive with experience of developing lending portfolios across both established banking institutions and newer digital lenders.
UK EXPANSION PLANS
Mihkel Torim, chairman of the board of LHV Bank Limited, says: “Damian knows banking, lending and technology. He combines the experience of one of the UK’s largest banks with the pace of Starling, where he led the growth of its lending as it became a major digital bank, and he shares the entrepreneurial spirit that defines LHV.
“Growing our local presence in the UK on a strong technology platform is at the core of our strategy, and Damian has the experience to lead it.”
Thompson says the bank’s technology and the financial backing of its parent group provide a platform for further lending growth.
He says: “LHV Bank has strong foundations for its next phase of growth: advanced technology, the backing of a Group with a sustained record of profitable growth, and a clear ambition to expand its lending.
“The opportunity to lead a bank with that tech advantage through rapid growth while maintaining the highest standards of risk management and regulatory compliance is compelling.
“I look forward to working with the UK team and colleagues across the Group to lead LHV Bank into its next chapter.”
