Robert Owen

UTB's Robert Owen to retire later this year




United Trust Bank’s (UTB) managing director of mortgages and bridging, Robert Owen (pictured above), has announced that he will be stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities from the beginning of June 2021 and retiring at the end of the year.

Robert joined the bank in 2015 to oversee its launch into the specialist mortgage sector, starting with its second-charge mortgage offering and subsequently adding a range of first-charge products. 

He was appointed MD of the combined mortgages and bridging division in 2016.

Robert’s career spans four decades, where he has held several board positions at lenders, and is currently a board director at the Finance & Leasing Association.

“I have been very fortunate in my career working with wonderfully talented people,” he said, “no more so than at UTB.  

“Graham Davin and Harley Kagan have built a tremendous success story based on the people ethic, with the focus always on teamwork and customer service.  

“I wish them all, particularly Buster Tolfree now taking over mortgages and Gavin Diamond taking over bridging, continued success in the future.”

For the remainder of 2021, Robert will continue to support UTB’s chief commercial officer, Mark Stokes, in an advisory role and work on several projects across the bank, including further development of its mortgage proposition. 

He will also remain on the bank’s diversity and inclusion committee and continue his work with the FLA and the Chartered Banker Institute – 2025 Foundation.

Harley Kagan, CEO at UTB, commented: “Rob’s wealth of knowledge and experience was invaluable in helping us to develop and establish our successful mortgage offering and in developing the combined mortgages and bridging division. 

“Both teams are writing record levels of new business and he is handing them over in great shape. 

“We will be sorry to see Rob retire, but I’m delighted that we will continue to benefit from his advice and wisdom for at least the remainder of the year. 

“We are very grateful to Rob for his contribution and wish him all the very best for his retirement.”

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