GB Bank, one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist property finance banks, has announced the appointment of Mike Says as its new Chief Executive Officer and the relocation of its headquarters to London.
Previously the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Mike succeeds co-founder Stephen Lancaster, who is stepping away after seven years in the business.
The bank, which specialises in lending to SME property developers and investors, recently received £85 million investment to support a rapid expansion of its lending portfolio and geographical reach. This has included relocating its headquarters to its new office in Mayfair, London to target the property sector in the capital and the South East.
Stephen Lancaster, co-founder of GB Bank, said: “I have had seven incredible years building and launching GB Bank. The recent investment has secured the future of the Bank and now is the right time for me to step away and focus on personal and family commitments. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a team.
Mike Says has over 30 years of banking and finance experience, having held senior positions with Citibank, Capital One, Lloyds and Harrods Bank.
Mark Sismey-Durrant, Chair of GB Bank, commented: “I want to thank Stephen for his leadership and contribution to the development of GB Bank which now has a bright future ahead.
“We are delighted to appoint Mike as CEO. He brings relevant experience and industry knowledge to the role which will be crucial as we continue to grow and expand our business.”
On his appointment, Mike said: “We plan to significantly accelerate GB Bank’s growth, solidifying our position as a leading specialist lender in the UK residential property sector.
“The move to Mayfair underlines our commitment to the London property market, while we continue to support our valued customers across the UK.”
GB Bank is a specialist property finance bank providing funding of up to £10 million to support SME property developers and investors across the UK.
To support its continued growth, GB Bank has initiated a major recruitment drive, aiming to double its workforce within the next year.
