Paragon Mortgages appoints new MD

14th August 2024

Paragon Bank has announced the appointment of Louisa Sedgwick as Managing Director of its Mortgages division with immediate effect.

Sedgwick, who has been with Paragon since April 2023, succeeds Richard Rowntree, who will be commencing a new role within the financial services industry. Sedgwick is a well-known and highly respected figure in the mortgage industry.  With more than 30 years’ experience she was most recently Paragon’s Commercial Director of Mortgages and has overseen the restructuring of the mortgages sales function and product offering, bolstering its focus on networks and clubs.

Previously she was Managing Director for Specialist Mortgages at Hampshire Trust Bank and prior to this she held roles at Vida, Leeds Building Society and Bradford & Bingley.

Paragon has also announced that Russell Anderson who is currently the Customer Retention & Partnerships Director will become the Commercial Director, taking over Sedgwick’s current responsibilities.  Lisa Steele, currently the Head of Mortgage Underwriting is promoted to Mortgage Lending Director.

Nigel Terrington, Paragon Banking Group’s Chief Executive, said “We are delighted that Louisa is stepping up to the mortgages Managing Director role.  Her extensive experience and esteemed reputation in the mortgage sector, coupled with her dynamic leadership and strategic vision, make her the ideal candidate to steer Paragon towards our next stage of development and success.”

“Richard leaves with our thanks and gratitude.  He has made a huge impact at Paragon over the last five years, not only in driving forward our Mortgages digitalisation programme and the broader growth in new lending, but also for his work in social mobility through initiatives such as Progress Together.  We wish him well for the future.”

Departing Managing Director Richard Rowntree said “I’d like to thank the whole Paragon team for their support and friendship since I joined in 2020.  I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and wish everyone well for the future.”