IMLA on the lookout for new executive director

The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) is on the lookout for a new executive director. 

The news follows Peter Williams' announcement that he will be stepping down from the role at the end of the year.

Williams will continue to perform his duties in full until the end of 2017 and will help with the transition process.

The current executive director announced his decision to step down unprompted, explaining that he feels the organisation would benefit from a fresh approach.

Upon departing the IMLA, Williams will continue with his own housing and mortgage research work and market commentary. He is also a non-executive director of Vida Homeloans.

For his replacement, the IMLA is looking for individuals who possess 'strong leadership skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the UK mortgage market'.

The primary responsibilities of the new director will be to coordinate IMLA’s core activities, including its relationships with industry partners and policy makers, and to progress initiatives agreed by members in the medium to long-term.

The search for Williams' replacement will be led by the IMLA board, which comprises chairman Kevin Purvey (Coventry Building Society), deputy chairman Phil Rickards (Lloyds Banking Group) and director John Heron (Paragon Group) among others.

"Both IMLA’s Directors and Peter feel that it is important to have an Executive Director in place who will take responsibility for leading the organisation for the next five years at least," says Kevin Purvey.

"I would like to thank Peter for his unwavering commitment to the interests of IMLA, its members, and the broader mortgage market over the last decade."

Peter Williams adds: “The past decade has been a period of great change for the intermediary mortgage market, with the recession, technological advances and new regulation presenting significant challenges and opportunities for lenders and brokers alike.” 

“I am proud of the work IMLA has done to represent the interests of its members, and its endeavours to build a better mortgage market for all, with intermediated advice at its heart.”