Peter Williams to step down from IMLA

Williams will resign after holding the position for over a decade, as he was made the trade body’s first executive director in 2006.

Peter Williams to step down from IMLA

Peter Williams will step down as executive director of the Intermediary Mortgage Lender’s Association at the end of the year.

Williams will leave after holding the position for over a decade, as he was made the trade body’s first executive director in 2006.

He said: “I feel that given all I have done over the past decade, and the considerable changes facing the market, it is sensible to step down and let IMLA appoint someone who can lead them through the next five years.

“I look forward to continuing to work with IMLA in any way that might assist them, and wish the board success in finding a new executive director.

“The role is a great opportunity for someone looking to have a highly influential role in the industry, and to be a voice for the sector in some of the most important policy and commercial debates in the mortgage market.”

After leaving the post he will continue conducting housing and mortgage research work as well as being a non-executive director of Vida Homeloans.

IMLA is considering applications for Williams’ successor to steer the ship for the next five years.

It said the right person needs ‘strong leadership skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the UK mortgage market’ and to coordinate 'relationships with industry partners and policy makers'.

The trade body board will select the next executive director, led by Kevin Purvey, IMLA executive chairman and director of intermediaries at Coventry Building.

Purvey said: “Peter will depart from IMLA on the very best terms at the end of the year, having been instrumental in its growth and performance over the past decade as the market has recovered from recession.

“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.

“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 will continue to serve as executive director until the end of 2017, and IMLA will be looking for a suitable successor in the meantime.

“IMLA is interested in hearing from candidates with a strong track record in the mortgage market, and the ability to lead the organisation through an important period in its continued development.”

Since Williams has been executive director IMLA’s membership has swelled to a post-recession high of 34 lenders.