Mortgage industry pair announce retirements

Paradigm head of mortgages, John Coffield, and managing director of United Trust Bank’s (UTB) Mortgages & Bridging Division, Robert Owen, have today announced their retirements.

Coffield confirmed he will be stepping down from his position and retiring at the end of August, having been in the role since the business launched in September 2007.

Paradigm stated that he had been fundamental to the group’s “success, growth, and development” over the past 14 years, particularly with regard to the lender and provider engagement work he carries out.

Coffield called his time at Paradigm the “most fulfilling of his career”, from both a business and personal perspective.

He added: “To have been part of a new company and to help it grow through, what has been, some very challenging times has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been privileged to work with some great people who have helped me to grow professionally and who have also been great fun to work with.

“Although in some respects I am sad to be leaving, I know the business will continue to thrive and grow in the coming years. The time is right for me now to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren – whether they want me to or not.”

On the same day, Owen announced that he will be stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities at UTB from the beginning of June 2021 and retiring at the end of the year.

He joined UTB in 2015 to oversee the bank’s launch into the specialist mortgage sector, and was appointed managing director of the combined Mortgages & Bridging division in 2016.

Owen said: “I have been very fortunate in my career working with wonderfully talented people. 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.”

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