Specialist lender Bluestone Mortgages has announced the appointment of Steve Seal as director of sales and distribution as part of its product growth.

Having officially joined in September 2017, Seal brings 20 years of financial services experience to the newly created role, and is responsible for leading Bluestone’s sales and distribution strategy across England and Wales.

The new addition follows Bluestone’s launch of new fixed rate products, alongside improvements across its residential and buy-to-let mortgage range, as part of a strategic overhaul to better meet borrower and market needs.

David Torpey, managing director at Bluestone Mortgages, commented: “Following our recent product overhaul, we have seen an increased demand for our services and products.”

“We want to continue helping customers who are currently underserved by mainstream lenders and today’s appointment reaffirms our commitment to expanding and improving our offering.”

Seal’s most recent position was as head of sales at Kent Reliance, a specialist lender and retail savings group operating under OneSavings Bank. He initially joined OneSavings Bank as head of national accounts and, prior to this, worked at Virgin Money for almost nine years as national account manager. Seal also has previous experience working for Chelsea Building Society and Barclays.

Torpey added: “Steve has extensive distribution knowledge as well as deep insight and understanding in what support brokers need in today’s market. We are confident that Steve will be a great addition to the team and support our growth plans.”