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Harris and Walker join Gen H as non-exec directors

Harris and Walker join Gen H as non-exec directors
Shekina Tuahene
Written By:
Posted:
September 24, 2024
Updated:
September 24, 2024

Mortgage lender Gen H has appointed Maria Harris and Peter Walker to its board as non-executive directors.

This follows the recent appointment of Tony Ward, board member since 2020, as chair of the board of directors. 

Harris has notable experience in the mortgage and financial services sector, and recently founded the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), which advocates for the sharing of data across the property sector. 

She was previously at Atom Bank as the director of intermediary lending and, earlier in her career, led mortgage distribution at HBoS and Lloyds Banking Group. 

Harris is also a non-executive director of United Trust Bank (UTB), as well as an adviser to mortgage broker Coreco and FinTech North. 

Walker will chair Gen H’s board risk and audit committee. 

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He is a chartered accountant with experience in regulated mortgage lending, loan servicing, business management and debt capital markets. Walker started his career at EY, later working as a managing director and board member at companies within the loan servicing and asset management sectors in the UK, Europe and USA.

He was most recently employed at BCM Global. Walker is also an investor and adviser to fintech and proptech companies. 

Gen H said these appointments would strengthen its leadership and governance structures as it prepared to scale up. 

Harris said: “It’s hugely exciting to be joining Gen H as they move into the next phase of their strategy. Their commitment to technology and ambition to support first-time buyers have never been more relevant. I’m looking forward to working with Tony, the board and a very talented management team.” 

Walker added: “It is a pleasure to join the board of Gen H, an innovative mortgage lender, with a real sense of purpose to provide mortgage products [that] better meet the needs of first-time buyers in the UK. The company has a talented team, an expert board of directors and supportive investors. It is poised for growth.”

Will Rice, CEO of Gen H, said: “The business has moved in a very positive direction this year, and as we gear up to bring new products to market and pursue profitability, it’s more important than ever that we have the support and expertise of non-executive directors such as Maria and Peter.

“I am delighted to welcome them to the business and look forward to everything we will accomplish together.”