Market Harborough Building Society has appointed industry stalwart Iain Smith to the role of head of distribution.

Smith has worked in the banking and mutual sectors for many years and joins Market Harborough from State Bank of India, where he has been head of intermediaries for two years. 

Smith also held a senior role at Bank of Ireland and spent many years at Yorkshire Building Society, also helping to establish its broker arm, Accord.

In his new role, Smith will take responsibility for delivering continued growth at Market Harborough and will provide strategic leadership to the mortgage sales teams. He will also work in partnership with brokers.

Of the appointment, Smith says: “Market Harborough Building Society is an ambitious and forward-thinking lender with a passionate commitment to mutuality. I know what a valuable role building societies play when it comes to putting customers first and through its Thrive Agenda, Market Harborough is leading the way with a single-minded focus on supporting its brokers, members, colleagues and the community.

“I’m joining a talented, driven team and can’t wait to help them build on their current success. I look forward to further growing Market Harborough’s mortgage business by adding my experience of what brokers and clients want from a specialist lender and making it even easier for them to work with us.”

MHBS chief executive Iain Kirkpatrick says: “Iain has a wealth of experience and I’m excited about the new thinking he’ll bring to the society.”