GB Bank brings on board new chief commercial officer
Middlesborough-based GB Bank has recruited a new chief commercial officer as it ramps up operations following the grant of its full UK banking licence in August.
Veteran industry figure Rob Lankey joins GB Bank – the UK’s newest fully authorised bank – after more than 30 years in the financial services sector.
Rob has worked in a wide range of organisations in the specialist lending and banking industry and has launched, built and grown a number of short and long-term lending businesses.
He was one of the four start-up members of Aldermore Bank plc, held senior positions at Shawbrook Bank and Amicus Finance plc and was also the CEO of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).
Earlier in his career, at age 28, Rob was the youngest ever executive manager at the Norwich & Peterborough Building Society.
Rob joins GB Bank from specialist property finance company Chordis Capital along with three key members of his team: Assistant relationship manager Jacqueline Prentice, relationship manager John Pointer and underwriter Jeveria Tazim.
As part of the move, Rob will be accelerating the Bank’s entry into residential and commercial bridging loans as well as commercial and buy-to-let mortgages. These steps will enable GB Bank to support a variety of customers with solutions for property-related finance.
Rob Lankey said: “GB Bank represents something really new in the financial services sector – a bank which is focused on lending to SME developers and property investors throughout the property lifecycle, offering innovative finance solutions and truly investing in helping to build local communities.
“Their ethos chimes in with so much of my thinking and experience in the industry so it’s the perfect match.
“I’m really looking forward to contributing to GB Bank’s growth as it embarks on ambitious plans to bring positive impact to communities in areas that need it most.”
The announcement is the latest in a wave of new hires at GB Bank. As well as Rob and his team, GB Bank has recently taken on an additional four members of staff: Financial crime manager Graham Goodwin, head of enterprise Risk Janie Robertshaw, credit risk manager Matt Smith and operational risk manager Patrick Keelty.
Stephen Lancaster, CEO of GB Bank said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rob and his team to GB Bank. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in property finance which will support our accelerated growth plans.
“We’re committed to regenerating communities across the UK and bringing jobs to the region is fundamental to this. With eight new appointments in three weeks, this really is the perfect start!”
GB Bank was granted a full banking licence in August of this year, making it the UK’s newest bank.
