Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

Richard Walker Joins Nationwide as Head of Intermediary Sales and New Build

Richard Walker has joined Nationwide as head of intermediary sales and new build, taking over from James Briffitt, who is retiring after nearly 20 years at the lender. Walker will lead Nationwide's intermediary sales teams and be responsible for the building society's new-build sales activity.

What the Role Involves

Walker will help shape Nationwide's engagement with intermediaries and work closely with brokers across the market. He will report to Damian Thompson, Nationwide's director of mortgage intermediaries and partnerships.

The appointment marks a significant change at the head of the lender's intermediary operation, a channel central to how buy-to-let and residential mortgages are arranged across the UK market.

Walker's Background

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

Announcing the appointment, Thompson described Walker as exceptionally well placed to lead the intermediary sales teams, citing his deep industry knowledge, extensive leadership experience and strong understanding of the intermediary market, having worked closely with brokers throughout his career. Thompson added that the appointment reflects the importance of the intermediary channel to Nationwide.

Walker said he was delighted to be taking on the role at an important time for Nationwide, noting that brokers remain at the heart of the mortgage market and that he looked forward to deepening relationships with them and continuing to provide the support, expertise and service they need.

Briffitt Retires After Nearly 20 Years

James Briffitt, Nationwide's current head of intermediary sales and new build, is retiring after nearly two decades with the building society. Thompson thanked Briffitt for his significant contribution to Nationwide's intermediary business, saying he had been an integral part of the team and had played an important role in strengthening relationships with brokers and shaping the lender's intermediary proposition.

What It Means for Brokers and Agents

For letting agents, inventory clerks and other property professionals working alongside brokers and intermediaries, continuity of lender relationships matters. Nationwide has stressed that the appointment reflects the importance it places on the intermediary channel, and the transition comes with a public commitment from the lender's leadership to continue developing its proposition and supporting brokers in meeting their customers' needs.