Darrell Walker has been appointed managing director of mortgages at LendInvest to lead the division through a phase of growth.
He joins from challenger buy-to-let (BTL) lender Chetwood Bank, where he worked for around three years, most recently as group sales director for its brands ModaMortgages and CHL Mortgages.
Walker’s appointment comes shortly after LendInvest announced record lending of £1.44bn for 2025, a 17% growth on the previous year. It also recently launched its semi-commercial BTL proposition to support property professionals diversifying their portfolios.
In his new role, Walker will be responsible for ensuring its mortgage product mix is competitive and aligned to borrower needs, while engaging with its broker partners to enhance retention and refine the acquisition process.
John Eastgate, chief commercial officer at LendInvest, said: “It really is a pivotal moment here at LendInvest as we enter into this next phase from a position of strength.
“Darrell is a statement hire for LendInvest. He is well-respected in the industry, and as a leader he will bring a depth of experience and strategic awareness to the team. His arrival reinforces our commitment to the long-term and sustainable growth of our broker-led business model.”
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Eastgate added: “We’re coming off a record-breaking year for new lending, and we’re continuing to introduce new offerings like semi-commercial BTL. As the market evolves, we need to continue to tell our story through delivering competitive and reliable solutions that meet the changing needs of borrowers and property investors.”
Walker (pictured) said: “What drew me to LendInvest was the company culture, market-leading technology and the fantastic team doing innovative work.
“In today’s evolving market, brokers and their clients need speed, flexibility, and absolute certainty that a lender will deliver on. LendInvest is exceptionally well-placed to make the mortgage process simple for everyone.
“While LendInvest is respected in the industry, our broad proposition makes us sort of a ‘best-kept secret’, and I’m looking forward to changing that. My priority is to continue to build lasting broker relationships and ensure more intermediaries across England, Scotland and Wales have the opportunity to experience our service and expertise first-hand.”