Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank has appointed Craig McPheat as head of experience design.

In his new role, he will lead a team of designers, thinkers and makers to create quality experiences for customers using the bank’s digital products and channels.

Craig has extensive knowledge in product, services and innovation design, having held similar roles at various companies, including NatWest, Tesco Bank and, most recently, Sainsburys Bank.

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Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: “The world beyond finance has been disrupted in recent years. 

“Never has it been more important to understand the individual needs, issues and expectations of our customers in the environment we serve. 

“Shawbrook Bank has made amazing strides in delivering products that recognise a customer’s individual circumstances and requirements, whether as an individual or a business, and in recognising how technology can help solve their problems.  

“But we’re only getting started and I’m thrilled to join at this exciting time in order to build delightful, accessible and easy to use services for our customers by embracing real business agility, flow, and critical thinking in our product development.”

Marcelino Castrillo, CEO at Shawbrook Bank, added: “We continue to rapidly deliver new products and services into the market, building great customer experiences in-house and collaborating with fantastic partners by leveraging the digital connectivity we have enabled.  

“It’s this pace of innovation and delivery that’s helping us to attract some of the best talent in the industry, and Craig joining us at this time is another great example.” 

Stuart Doignie, head of fintech strategy and commercialisation at Shawbrook Bank, stated: “Customers choose Shawbrook for our ability to understand their circumstances and to provide them with the finance they need quickly and seamlessly.  

“Technology and data play a significant role in that, but it’s our focus on simply creating brilliant customer experiences that makes the difference and is what helps us attract great talent into the organisation.  

“People of Craig’s calibre and experience are in high demand, not least in the wider fintech arena, so I’m delighted he’s chosen to join us and the journey we’re on to redefine what a specialist bank can be.”

Craig’s appointment is part of Shawbrook’s plans to hire at least 100 new members by the end of 2022 across a variety of technology and data-related roles, including product and customer experience designers, cloud and data engineers, and developers.  

Sancus Lending Group

Sancus Lending Group has appointed Barry Dillon and Tony Grillo as business development managers for the North and South, respectively.

Barry, whose career in commercial banking and property finance spans 17 years, joins Sancus from Newable, where he was a partnership manager.

Meanwhile, Tony, who has over 20 years of experience in sales and underwriting within the property finance market, joins the company from Positive Lending, where he previously worked as a regional account manager.

Richard Whitehouse, sales director at Sancus Lending Group, said: “I have great pleasure in welcoming both Tony and Barry to the growing Sancus team. 

“They both have the attributes that we value at Sancus: they have comprehensive knowledge of the property lending sector and a ‘can-do’ attitude, they are well-respected in the business community and are a pleasure to work with. 

“We have made huge investments in people over the last few months, both for the front and back office, as well as extending our funding lines in preparation for a bumper 2022. 

“Despite the pandemic-created challenges of 2021, it has proved to be a record year for us in the UK.  

“The hiring of Tony, Barry, the new starters this year and those we look forward to announcing in early 2022 will enable us to build on the successful foundations we have laid in 2021.”

Earlier this year, Sancus Lending Group has also appointed Melanie Fourie and Jaxon Stevens as head of sales for the North and South, respectively.