Bank of Ireland (BOI) UK has appointed Alan Longhorn (pictured) as head of sales, distribution and marketing, taking over from Graham Felstead who had the role on an interim basis.
Felstead will step back from the position but remain at the firm for a short period on a consultancy basis to ensure a full handover to Longhorn in his new role.
Felstead took on the role in March last year following the departure of Russell Anderson to Paragon as its customer retention and partnerships director.
Longhorn was previously national sales manager at BOI for around four years and before that regional manager for around a year.
He was also chair of the UK Finance Mortgage Policy Committee in Ireland between 2019 and 2023.
Longhorn’s CV includes RBS for around seven years, most recently as a regional director and before that around four years at Natwest.
Martin Brown, head of home buying and ownership at Bank of Ireland (BOI) UK said ‘I’m delighted to see Alan appointed to this role. He’ll bring a wealth of experience gained both within Bank of Ireland as well as from his previous roles in the mortgage industry.
“I’d also like to thank Graham for the support and guidance he has provided during his time with us which has really helped us to strengthen our position in the intermediary market.”
He continued: “Alan’s appointment coupled with the short-term support from Graham will ensure a seamless handover and continued support and commitment to our intermediary partners.”
Anna is currently the deputy editor for Mortgage Solutions and editor for Specialist Lending Solutions. She has worked as a journalist since 2019, having secured her Gold Standard NCTJ diploma from News Associates in a fast-track six-month course.
She started her career as a report at specialist publication The Insurance Insider covering a wide range of areas before joining Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions in 2021.
In her role, she helps put together and structure the news agenda for the day and writes up press releases, reports, interviews, analyses and exclusives across both titles. She also commissions blogs for Specialist Lending Solutions and hosts online masterclasses and in-person events across the business.
She has been shortlisted for three journalism awards, which include BIBA Journalist and Media Awards Scoop of Year Award in 2020, Headline Money Mortgage Journalist of the Year Award (B2B) in 2022 and 2023.
Prior to being a journalist, Anna worked in ecommerce across Snow + Rock, Cycle Surgery and Runners Need websites, and before that worked at specialist financial PR firm Rostrum.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, seeing live music, and cooking for friends and family. When she gets a chance, she also enjoys hiking, skiing and indoor rock climbing.