Liberty Network Services (LNS) has appointed long‑time distribution specialist Matthew Whyte as its new group manager.
Liberty Network Services (LNS), the broker network under Liberty Financial, has exclusively revealed to The Adviser that it appointed industry veteran Matthew Whyte as its new group manager, with the distribution executive to take the reins following the departure of CEO Daniel Marsi.
Whyte will commence as LNS group manager on Monday (20 April 2026), bringing over 25 years’ experience in mortgage distribution and network growth.
His appointment follows the conclusion of Marsi’s tenure as CEO in mid-February, closing out a 12‑year chapter that saw LNS expand into a national network of more than 200 representatives.
Announcing the move, Liberty chief distribution officer David Smith said the business had deliberately sought a leader with a track record in scaling large networks.
He emphasised that Whyte’s history in the broker channel made him a natural fit.
“We’re excited to welcome Matthew Whyte to the role of Group Manager – Liberty Network Services (LNS). Throughout his career, Matt has been instrumental in growing large broker distribution networks and helping brokers reach business milestones,” Smith said.
“We’re confident his strategic, forward-looking approach will be a natural fit for LNS.”
Whyte’s career has spanned some of the most recognisable brands in the sector.
He previously served as general manager, distribution for Queensland and Western Australia at Lendi Group for two years, after holding senior posts as Lendi’s general manager of national distribution operations and general manager, distribution integration.
Before joining Lendi, he spent a decade at Aussie, where he worked as head of distribution growth, state manager, Queensland/the Northern Territory and senior manager, retail operations.
Liberty targets ‘next stage of growth’
LNS has grown from a smaller, emerging network into a nationally recognised group over the past decade, with the company framing Whyte’s appointment as the catalyst for its next expansion phase.
Smith said the new leader had been tasked with sharpening the network’s growth agenda while preserving its existing value proposition.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Matt drive the business into its next stage of growth while continuing to provide genuine business pathway opportunities to our existing network and ensuring LNS remains a compelling option for brokers,” he said.
“Matt is well-placed to help our national network of over 200 brokers succeed and build long-term sustainable growth.”
Marsi’s legacy and AI groundwork
Smith also paid tribute to Marsi, the outgoing CEO.
“Daniel has been an important part of LNS’ story for the last 12 years, helping us go from strength to strength. From Network Sales Manager to State Manager, then taking on the role of CEO for the last two years, Daniel’s strong leadership has supported enhanced broker engagement, recruitment, and AI integration,” Smith said.
“We thank him for his contribution over the years and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Whyte seeks purposeful, sustainable expansion
Whyte framed the new role as a chance to apply a career spent building and scaling broker networks at a time when distribution strategy is front and centre for lenders and aggregators.
Reflecting on the move, he said the opportunity at LNS aligned closely with his professional focus.
“The constant thread across my 25 year career in the mortgage industry has been building and scaling broker distribution networks. I wanted a role where I could apply this experience, so when the opportunity presented itself to join LNS, it felt like the right place at the right time,” Whyte said.
“LNS has real momentum and the frameworks, systems, and people in place to support significant growth. My role is to help supercharge this, which is an exciting place to be.”
He added that a core part of the remit would be to directly engage with LNS’ existing network to ensure the infrastructure put in place over recent years translated into tangible outcomes.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the broker network to ensure every broker in the LNS community has what they need to thrive,” he said.
“However, it’s important to me that growth is purposeful and not growth for its own sake. My motivation is to build a network that is sustainable, high-performing, and genuinely well-supported.”
[Related: Liberty Financial reports record originations despite rising discharges]
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