Louisa Sedgwick, who was appointed the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association first female chair in November last year, steps down from the position at the end this month.

This early exit is because of Sedgwick leaving specialist lender Vida to join Tandem Bank, which is not a member of Imla but has applied to join the association.

Imla deputy chair as of last week Jeremy Duncombe moves into the vacant position, effective immediately.

Praise for Sedgwick’s stewardship of the association throughout the pandemic is effusive. Imla executive director Kate Davies says: “She has been pivotal in adding value to our membership throughout an extremely challenging 14-month period, and it’s disappointing that she’s unable to continue in this role for the remainder of her term.

“We wish her every success in her new role and look forward to welcoming her back into our ranks later this year.”

Sedgwick comments: “I would have loved to have finished my full term as Imla’s first female chair, however, I know the association is in safe hands with Jeremy [Duncombe].”

And Duncombe adds: “We’re all sad to see Louisa [Sedgwick] step down and we look forward to welcoming her back as soon as possible.

“She has made great strides in her time as chair, and I look forward to picking up where she left off, working hard to support Imla’s membership over the coming months.”