Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB), a property finance lender recently acquired by Alchemy Partners LLP, has appointed a new Non-Executive Director.
The new hire, Jamie Drummond Smith, who is a chartered accountant with 25 years’ experience at Deloitte, follows the appointment of former HSBC General Manager Graham Picken as Chairman last week.
Commenting on the new appointment, Mark Sismey-Durran, CEO of HTB, said: “Jamie brings with him a wealth of experience and a fantastic understanding of the funding challenges faced by small and medium sized businesses.
"He is an important addition to a very experienced team who are all committed to steady growth and the long term success of both our customers and Hampshire Trust Bank.”
Mark added: “The board share a common vision for HTB; it will be a high quality, traditional bank focused on personal service, consistently competitive savings products and specialist lending services delivered by sector and subject matter experts.”
The new hire, Jamie Drummond Smith, has previously held two full-time positions as Finance Director with Barbon Insurance Group Limited and Catles Plc. Jamie will remain a Non-Executive Director of both Cattles and Chair of its audit and risk committee and the audit committee of Arthur J Gallagher (UK) Limited.
Commenting on his new role, Jamie said: “I am very excited to be joining the bank at such an important time in its history.
“The management team has succeeded in attracting significant new investment and in building a board and management team with the right track record and specialist skills to deliver really high service standards to UK SMEs.”
Jamie added: “Customers have had too little choice both as savers and borrowers, and Hampshire Trust Bank adds a further element of choice in our chosen fields.”
The news of the new hire comes shortly after the Bank’s May 2014 announcement of the appointment of former First Direct Chair and HSBC General Manager Graham Picken as Chairman, and regulatory approval for its acquisition by Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund II LP (Alchemy).
HTB Chief Executive, Mark Sismey-Durrant also confirmed that the bank will focus on providing specialist finance to the SME sector and experienced SME housebuilders.
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