Buy-to-let specialist lender Fleet Mortgages has announced the promotion of Nicola Richardson to managing director at the firm.

Richardson has been with the company since its launch in 2014, having joined as head of finance and establishing the lender’s finance function. Since then, her roles at the business have included finance director, chief financial officer, and, most recently, chief finance and operating officer.

More than 14 years of financial services experience

Richardson has more than 14 years of financial services experience, having originally qualified as a chartered accountant (ACA) and holding the AMCT qualification, which she obtained during a treasury role at CHL Mortgages.

In her new role, Richardson will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and strategic direction of Fleet Mortgages, overseeing all core areas.

Part of her will be to drive further development of Fleet’s proposition, including continued investment in technology, refinement of lending criteria, evolution of products and pricing, and ongoing enhancement of the service offering, the company said.  

“I’ve been part of the business since it was established nearly 12 years ago,” said Richardson.

“Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a number of areas and help build Fleet into the strong position it holds today, which gives me a clear understanding of both how we operate and where I would like to take the business next.

“Our focus now is on continuing to evolve Fleet in a way that strengthens our proposition, supports our intermediary partners and meets the needs of landlord borrowers.”