Rickards (pictured) will continue to work with Lloyds Banking Group as part of its sustainable business team after he steps back.
The lender said that the change comes after Rickards accepted a part-time role as chairperson at L&C Mortgages, which is subject to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Rickards has had a 30-year career in financial services, initially working at Commercial Bank of Wales as a junior clerk before moving to Pearl Assurance as an underwriter.
He went on to work at TSB in various roles in claims management and marketing and then joined Birmingham Midshires Building Society, now known as BM Solutions, in 1993 as a financial adviser.
Rickards worked his way up the firm to reach the head of sales role. As head of BM Solutions, Rickards oversaw the field-based and telephony business development teams, focused on delivering the buy-to-let commitment of Lloyds Banking Group.
Esther Dijkstra, managing director for intermediaries at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Phil’s commitment and dedication to BM Solutions over the last 30 years is unrivalled, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution across the industry.
“Buy to let is a key part of the business, and I am confident BM Solutions is in safe hands with Leigh picking up the reins.”
Church was most recently a regional sales manager at Lloyds Banking Group for around 15 years, and before that worked at Legal & General for around seven years in various roles including head of sales and business development manager.
