The lender said Sabbaghe (pictured) would strengthen its intermediary mortgage proposition for brokers across England and Wales.

Sabbaghe will be an “in the field” BDM with a remit to grow Vernon’s national broker network.

Based in central England, he will enable the Vernon to expand its footprint beyond the North West into the southern belt.

Sabbaghe has 20 years of financial services experience, having started as a mortgage advisor and then spending over 15 years in the intermediary mortgage market, most recently at Coventry Building Society.

Vernon Building Society head of mortgage and savings distribution Brendan Crowshaw said: “Damien joins the Vernon at an exciting time.

“We have just revitalised our mortgage proposition and have a range of specialist and competitive products for borrowers with unusual or complex circumstances. This gives Damien a really clear pitch to develop new broker relationships with. His decades of experience and existing broker network made him the perfect candidate.”

Sabbaghe said: “I said in my interview that in many ways Vernon Building Society is one of the best-kept secrets for complex mortgages. I cannot wait to change that by raising awareness and growing the Vernon’s reputation amongst brokers who need a more flexible and individual approach.”