IMLA names executive director

Williams, currently deputy director-general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), is the first ever person to hold the position. He will take up his duties on 1 October 2006, after leaving the CML on 30 September to work as a consultant. He will work for IMLA on a part-time consultancy basis.

The main brief of the newly created role of executive director will be to coordinate the activities of IMLA and progress initiatives agreed by members.

Guy Batchelor, chairman of IMLA, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Peter has agreed to join IMLA as executive director. His outstanding pedigree at the CML where he has worked for almost ten years and his wide-ranging knowledge of the housing and mortgage industries make him an excellent choice for us. He will be well placed to help coordinate our activities, maintain and enhance our contacts with regulators, government and other trade associations, and raise the profile and influence of IMLA. His appointment has the support of our whole membership and we all look forward to working with Peter in the future.”

Williams commented: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role as IMLA’s first executive director. Though I already have good working relationships with many intermediary lenders, I am looking forward to building my knowledge of this key mortgage sector and helping to promote recognition and understanding of its role. At a time of considerable change and expansion in the size and importance of the intermediary lending sector, I am certain that there is excellent potential to increase IMLA’s role in representing the views of its members to all parties, including government, regulators, other trade organisations, intermediaries and the media. I look forward to the challenges ahead and to working closely with Guy and the other directors of IMLA, and of course its rapidly growing membership.”