United Trust Bank has hired Robert Owen as managing director of mortgages and bridging.

Owen has been with the bank since April 2015 and was responsible for its specialised mortgages division.

His previous roles include being chief executive of Central Trust, while he has also been the CEO of West Brom Building Society’s subsidiary White Label Lending and a founder of London Mortgage Company, which was sold to Lehman Brothers in 2006.

Harley Kagan, UTB’s group managing director, said: “We are delighted with the successful launch of the specialised mortgages division, which Robert has overseen.

“We will now be using Robert’s considerable experience to develop both our mortgage and short-term lending propositions with a clear mandate to continue their evolution whilst at the same time ensuring the Bank provides unrivalled intermediary service.”

UTB has also hired Jo Edwards as business development director of mortgages and bridging from Nemo Finance, a subsidiary of Principality Building Society.

She will work with Buster Tolfree, commercial director of specialised mortgages and Gavin Diamond, commercial director of bridging, to enhance the product ranges and develop the businesses.

Owen said: “I am very pleased to welcome Jo to the UTB team and she joins at an exciting phase of the bank’s development.

“We have had a successful first year since launching our specialised mortgages division with strong growth and a very positive reception from brokers.

“Jo’s appointment underlines our commitment to continue growing UTB’s mortgage and bridging businesses and demonstrates the importance we place on building a strong team to deliver the high levels of service our customers deserve.”