Smee, best known in the mortgage industry as founding director general of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA), and most lately, chief executive of the Payments Council.
Smee is already heading up the rebrand and membership broadening exercise underway at SHIP, the equity release lender trade body.
Smee’s CV also lists the Independent Television Commission, the Association of British Insurers, the London Stock Exchange and the then Department of Trade and Industry.
Outgoing CML chairman Colin Walsh, said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Smee as CML director general. He brings with him a wealth of experience, and a successful track record in delivering for trade bodies and their members. I am sure that with Paul at the helm, the CML will continue to show strong, effective industry leadership.
“Let me also pay tribute to Michael Coogan, who has steered the CML so capably since 1997, and who will undoubtedly be a hard act to follow.”
Michael Coogan’s last working day as CML director general will be 29 July.
Paul Smee said: “I will be seeking to build on the strong reputation that the CML has built up over many years on behalf of its members, in this vital part of the UK economy. I am looking forward to taking up so important a role at such a crucial time.”
Andrea Rozario, director general of SHIP, said: “We would like to offer our congratulations to Paul Smee on his appointment as director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Paul is currently chairing the SHIP Formation Committee and we are sure that he will bring the same enthusiasm, professionalism and in-depth knowledge he has shown in this role to his new post.
Rozario said Smee will complete his work for SHIP before he takes up the role at SHIP.
“We look forward to receiving this and working with all relevant stakeholders to help the industry grow and develop in the future,” she added.
Robert Sinclair, AMI director said: “Paul Smee is an experienced trade body leader who will bring expertise, direction and a pragmatic approach to the issues facing the housing and mortgage market.
We wish him well in his new challenges and look forward to working with him to ensure that the policies adopted by the CML properly reflect the market where the significant majority of all mortgages emanate from the intermediary sector.”
