EXCLUSIVE: UTB promotes Mike Walters and hires Martin Sims

Walters joined UTB from Optimum Credit in April 2017. Sims departed HL Partnership in June.

EXCLUSIVE: UTB promotes Mike Walters and hires Martin Sims

United Trust Bank has promoted Mike Walters to head of sales, mortgages and bridging, and hired Martin Sims as national distribution manager.

Walters (pictured, left) will head up the mortgages and bridging sales team. He will be responsible for increasing UTB’s awareness and developing business volumes amongst brokers nationwide.

Sims (pictured, right) will define and implement the lender’s growth strategy for the mortgages and bridging division, enhancing its distribution amongst networks, mortgage clubs and the direct adviser market.

Robert Owen, managing director, mortgages and bridging, said: “UTB continues to develop its mortgages and bridging offering both in terms of products and distribution.

“We are investing in technology to improve the broker experience and most importantly we are recruiting experienced industry professionals who can help us in the next exciting phase of the bank’s growth.

“We have made a significant impact on the specialist mortgage sector in a short time and Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to the team as we develop our relationships with networks, clubs and the DA market.

“Put that together with the expanded BDM presence under Mike’s leadership and we are looking forward to even greater success in the future.”

Sims has over 20 years of experience working in the mortgage industry. He departed from HL Partnership in June where he was development director, while he previously worked at Castle Trust.He will work closely with Walters as well as the commercial directors for the mortgages and bridging sections, Buster Tolfree and Gavin Diamond.

Walters will be supported by BDMs Paul Mansell, Nick Warren, Chris Pedlar, Kerry Bradley and Paul Delmonte in England, Wales and Scotland. He joined UTB from Optimum Credit in April 2017, initially as bridging business development manager.