Movers & Shakers

LMG names industry veteran as business lending executive

Loan Market Group (LMG) has appointed long-time Westpac executive Shane Howell as its new group executive – business lending, joining the group after a 20-year career with the major bank.

Howell joined LMG at the start of May, having most recently served as Westpac’s general manager of commercial banking and managing director of business lending.

In his new role, Howell will be responsible for expanding LMG’s SME and business lending proposition, with a particular focus on technology, integrations, and data.

LMG CEO and executive director Ewen Stafford also said the move also reflected the structural challenges businesses faced in securing finance.

“Howell’s appointment reflected both the size of the opportunity and a clear gap in how Australian businesses access funding,” Stafford said.

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Mortgage Choice appoints new NSW/ACT state manager

Mortgage Choice has appointed Brendan Andrews as its new NSW/ACT state manager, promoting from within for the position.

Andrews has been with REA Group for the past eight years and most recently served as senior manager for franchise recruitment across NSW, ACT, and South Australia, where he was “instrumental” in expanding the Mortgage Choice network.

In his new role, Andrews will lead a team of franchise development managers who provide brokers with hands-on business development support and coaching.

Mortgage Choice general manager for distribution, Aaron Slater, highlighted Andrews’ longstanding experience working with brokers.

“Brendan has spent years on the frontline, finding great talent to join our network,” he said.

“He knows our industry, understands what brokers need to succeed, and has a track record of delivering results.”

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Better Choice ramps up national push with senior hires

BNK-owned non-bank lender Better Choice Home Loans has unveiled two senior business development manager (BDM) appointments as part of a national expansion strategy.

Better Choice confirmed that Louise Sandberg had been appointed senior BDM for Western Australia, while Steve Kent had been appointed senior BDM for Queensland.

Sandberg brings more than 25 years’ experience in banking and finance, while Kent has extensive experience in lending and broker distribution, most recently with Banjo Loans.

The appointments follow a series of recent leadership changes at Better Choice, including the arrival of Cath Ryan as head of sales and strategic partnerships.

Ryan said the latest hires were aimed at improving throughput and customer experience.

“Steve and Louise are experienced operators who know how to get deals done,” Ryan said

“They are here to work alongside our brokers and create a great client experience for the customer.”

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Lendi Group announces new chief operations officer

Lendi Group has promoted Christopher Parker to chief operations officer, with Parker stepping up from his previous role as general manager of credit and operations.

He fills the operational vacancy left by Sebastian Watkins, who was elevated to CEO on 1 January 2026.

Based in Sydney, Parker will now take accountability for Lendi Group’s end-to-end operations engine across both its Australia and Philippines-based hubs.

The promotion is also designed to streamline the group’s execution capability as it continues to scale its “Find, Buy, Own” platform strategy.

Prior to joining Lendi Group in 2021, Parker spent six years in senior leadership roles within San Francisco’s fintech sector and has a further decade of experience in retail banking leadership.

Speaking of the promotion, Watkins said: “He’s a strong leader who cares deeply about our people and our culture, and this role recognises the impact he’s already having on the business.”