New roles aim to strengthen adviser relationships and drive operational growth

Crystal Specialist Finance, conveybuddy, and Mortgage Advice Bureau have each made senior hires to support their strategic growth and strengthen their teams.
Crystal Specialist Finance has named Gareth Shilton (pictured left) as group strategy director.
Shilton, who brings over three decades of experience in financial services, previously served as chief executive of Ocean Finance and has worked with Crystal in a consultancy role since 2019. In his new role, he will focus on driving operational efficiencies and long-term sustainability.
“I’m thrilled to be joining at such a pivotal time in Crystal’s evolution,” Shilton said. “While the economic landscape presents its challenges, I see immense opportunity for the business to achieve greater efficiency and expansion. The leadership team is focused on delivering strong commercial results, and I look forward to playing my part supporting the business.”
Meanwhile, conveyancing distributor conveybuddy has appointed Rachel Payne (pictured centre) as senior account manager.
Payne will oversee broker and introducer relationships and provide support through conveybuddy’s law firm panel and survey partner, The Moving Portal. She returns to the industry after a maternity career break, bringing nearly 10 years of experience in conveyancing distribution.
“I’m excited to return to the industry with conveybuddy,” Payne said. “The company’s focus on transparency and service aligns with the values I’ve always brought to my work. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with brokers and introducers, and helping them secure a better conveyancing experience for their clients.”
Elsewhere, mortgage intermediary Mortgage Advice Bureau has also expanded its leadership team, appointing Sanjay Gadhia (pictured right) as regional sales director for later life.
Gadhia, who has over 18 years of industry experience, previously held senior roles at Standard Life Home Finance and more2life. He will lead MAB’s efforts to strengthen its later life lending proposition and boost adviser engagement.
“The strength of MAB’s proposition is exceptional, and I firmly believe it will attract even more broker talent to join our network,” Gadhia said. “I’m looking forward to championing our later life proposition, driving future business growth, and empowering our advisers to deliver optimal customer outcomes.”
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