His appointment follows the decision by current chief Adam Tyler to stand down after 11 years in the role. Lankey (pictured), who has spent the last nine years with lender Aldermore, starts with immediate effect to assist with the handover. Tyler is due to leave at the end of the year.

Lankey was formerly Aldermore’s managing director of commercial mortgages and property development finance, and one of the key players in the start-up team.

Previously, he led the development of Norwich & Peterborough Building Society’s commercial mortgage business for 17 years until, in 2007, he became the executive director of lending and operations at start-up Base Commercial Mortgages.

Shortly afterwards Base merged with Ruffler Bank, which subsequently became Aldermore.

Lankey has been a supporter and advocate of the NACFB for over 20 years and spearheaded Aldermore’s three-year sponsorship in 2010.

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Paul Goodman, NACFB chairman, said: “Rob brings vast experience of not only the specialist and intermediated commercial finance sector but also the proven ability to install structure and governance in businesses – an essential attribute for the association as we evolve in this ever-challenging regulated environment. A true innovator and excellent business leader, we’re thrilled to secure his services.”

Lankey added: “I’ve been closely involved with the NACFB since the mid-nineties and have always been a strong supporter of its ambitions and aims. I’m excited about the opportunity to help Paul and the board of the NACFB as it embarks on the next step of its journey.”