Movers & Shakers

Brighten appoints new head of commercial lending

Brighten has announced the appointment of Ben McKell as new head of commercial lending, as the non-bank lender continues to expand its commercial offering.

McKell brings more than 20 years’ experience to the newly created role, including senior positions at majors Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and Westpac, as well as non-bank Pepper Money.

Brighten noted McKell’s “extensive expertise in structuring complex deals and driving growth, combined with his deep understanding of broker and lender needs”.

Chris Meaker, Brighten’s director and head of distribution, said McKell would “accelerate the company’s expansion and reinforce its leadership in non-bank lending”.

“With Ben’s expertise and our deep understanding of our brokers, we’re confident that our solutions-based offering can meet the evolving needs of both brokers and customers,” Meaker said.

Suncorp announces new head of broker partnerships

SUNCORP BANK has appointed Paul Brick as new head of broker partnerships for the non-major, now part of ANZ Group following the completion of the banks’ merger in August.

Brick most recently worked as head of strategic partnerships at ANZ Bank and has more than 20 years’ banking experience to call upon, including six years at ANZ and nine at CBA.

The head of broker partnerships role was most recently held by Shane Davis in an acting capacity after Troy Fedder was promoted to executive general manager for home lending in June 2024.

In a broker update, Fedder heralded Brick’s experience with the third-party channel.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Paul at CBA and across the broker industry over many years. I know he will be an asset to our Suncorp Bank Broker Partnerships team,” Fedder said.

Pepper welcomes new head of product for asset finance

Pepper Money has welcomed Matt Perry as new head of product for asset finance, where he will spearhead product development of the non-bank’s asset finance offerings.

Perry most recently worked as chief commercial officer for asset finance software company youX Powered and boasts more than 25 years’ experience at a variety of institutions across Australia and the UK, including Westpac Group, Lloyds Banking Group, and Bank of Scotland.

The new role sees him take the reins from Andrew Gamble, who was named the non-bank lender’s new head of sales for asset finance in July 2024.

Speaking of the appointment, Pepper Money’s general manager of asset finance Ken Spellacy said his “strong relationships in the industry and innovative approach to product development” made him the perfect fit.

“His strategic thinking and deep understanding of market trends will help drive the continued success and growth of Pepper Money’s product offerings,” Spellacy said.

ORDE Financial names 3 new state managers

ORDE Financial has promoted three senior business development managers to the newly created position of state manager where they’ll oversee broker support.

In an announcement, the non-bank confirmed the appointments of Dianne Robinson as state manager for Queensland/South Australia/Western Australia, Pasquale Caia as state manager for Victoria and Tasmania, and Peter Burkhart as state manager for NSW/ ACT.

Lee Prior, director of distribution at ORDE Financial, said the extensive experience possessed by each appointee would ensure exceptional service for brokers.

“Dianne, Pasquale and Peter have well and truly earned their appointments as state managers.”