Octane creates strategic development manager position to broaden reach

Octane has appointed Chris Kirby (pictured above, right) as strategic development manager, a newly created role designed to support the lender's next phase of growth.

Chris joins from Shawbrook, where he led a team of eight BDMs responsible for more than £1bn of annual residential and BTL mortgage originations under The Mortgage Lender and Bluestone Mortgages brands.

He brings over 15 years of experience across mortgage lending, intermediary distribution and specialist property finance, having held several senior leadership positions throughout his career.

In his new role, Chris will strengthen relationships with brokers and strategic partners, identify new distribution opportunities, and broaden the reach of Octane’s proposition.

Chris commented: “I’ve already seen first-hand that not only is there a wealth of experience here, but there are also real togetherness and ‘can-do’ attitude, so I’m really looking forward to playing my part in their story.

“Octane’s reputation speaks for itself in the market, and with the ambitious growth plans for the coming years, I'm eager to get stuck in and support Octane as they look to broaden their reach and support more brokers and property investors in an ever-evolving market."

Richard Deacon, managing director of sales (pictured above, left), added: “Chris is a really important appointment for us and brings a huge amount of experience across intermediary distribution, specialist lending and the wider mortgage market.

“We’ve got ambitious plans for the next stage of Octane’s growth and a big part of Chris’s role will be looking at where the next opportunities come from — whether that’s developing new strategic relationships, working more closely with networks and clubs, opening up new distribution channels or helping us explore how we can broaden our proposition over time."

CEO Jonathan Samuels said: ‘’Importantly, this isn’t just a strategic role sitting away from the day-to-day business.

“Chris will be out with brokers, originating business himself and working closely with the wider sales team, while also looking at opportunities that can benefit Octane more broadly.

“He’s incredibly well connected, knows the intermediary market inside out and brings a different skillset and perspective to the team.”