The lender said the appointment was aimed at developing its mortgages and bridging division.
A spokesperson from UTB told Specialist Lending Solutions that further appointments are expected in the first quarter next year and it hinted at further product sector expansion.
Burnell will be responsible for the monitoring and analysis of UTB’s existing mortgage and bridging products to ensure the bank maintains competitiveness and market share.
He will be also in charge of identifying and delivering new mortgage products and lending volume in line with UTB’s growth strategy.
Burnell had been a key part of Vida Homeloans’ entry to the second charge market, but the lender pulled-out barely six months in as the competitive market took hold.
Burnell has more than 20 years of experience in the specialist mortgage industry, establishing relationships with brokers and lenders across the first and second charge intermediary mortgage markets.
Recruiting experienced people
Buster Tolfree, commercial director of mortgages, said that it has been a busy and successful first three years in the mortgage sector for UTB.
He added: “Simon’s appointment in this new role increases our capability to deliver innovative new products while continuing to ensure that our current suite remains competitive.
“Simon will work closely with Mike Walters and I as we evolve UTB’s offering both in terms of products and distribution. We are recruiting experienced industry professionals who can help us in the next exciting phase of the bank’s growth and we are investing in technology to improve the broker and customer experience.
“We have already made a significant and positive impact on the specialist mortgage sector and we look forward to even greater success in the future across a wider spectrum of mortgage lending,” he added.
