The specialist lender said that Alex’s former role of director of sales has been taken on by Marcus Dussard, who was previously business development director at Castle Trust.

Marcus Dussard

The lender also announced that Matthew Wyles will be leaving his role as group executive director to take up a senior executive appointment at another financial institution, subject to regulatory approval.

Alex – who has been with Castle Trust since 2013 – will report directly to Sean Oldfield, group chief executive.

“Alex Upton is a rising star within Castle Trust and I am delighted that she has agreed to lead our mortgage business,” said Sean.

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“Alex and her excellent team will play a pivotal role in realising our current three-year plan, which will see us significantly grow our balance sheet during 2018 and beyond.

“Despite highly competitive market conditions, we have had a fabulous start to the year and we can look to the future with confidence.”

Alex said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the mortgage division.

“Castle Trust has always been a really exciting place to work and is a remarkable business.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to build something really special on the sound foundations which are already in place.”

Speaking about Marcus’s appointment to director of sales, Alex added that he had been a crucial part of Castle Trust’s rapid growth.

“He has earnt the respect of his colleagues across the business and has built an excellent reputation among our intermediary partners. 

“This appointment is a further, tangible manifestation of our commitment to the development of our people. 

“I am very much looking forward to working with Marcus in his new role.”