Nationwide appoints Head of Intermediary Sales

Nationwide has appointed Richard Walker as its Head of Intermediary Sales.

Walker will lead Nationwide’s intermediary sales teams, shaping its engagement with intermediaries and working closely with brokers. He will also lead new-build sales activity across Nationwide.

Walker will report to Nationwide’s Director of Mortgage Intermediaries and Partnerships, Damian Thompson.

Walker joined Virgin Money in 2013 and has held a number of senior leadership roles and, most recently, has led the intermediary sales teams for both Virgin Money and Clydesdale. Before joining Virgin Money, Walker held leadership positions at Virgin One Account, First Active and RBS.

Thompson said “Richard is exceptionally well placed to lead our intermediary sales teams and build on the established relationships we have across the market. He brings deep industry knowledge, extensive leadership experience and a strong understanding of the intermediary market, having worked closely with brokers throughout his career. His appointment reflects the importance of the intermediary channel to Nationwide, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our proposition and support brokers in meeting the needs of their customers.”

James Briffitt, Nationwide’s current Head of Intermediary Sales and new build, is retiring after nearly 20 years of service at Nationwide.

Thompson continued, “I would also like to thank James Briffitt for his significant contribution to Nationwide’s intermediary business. James has been an integral part of the team and has played an important role in strengthening our relationships with brokers and shaping our intermediary proposition.”