In the new role, Pedlar will report to sales and marketing director Caroline Mirakian and oversee the lender’s team of business development managers, leading the sales strategy for its range of specialist residential, buy-to-let and second charge products.

He first joined UTB in 2017 and, prior to this promotion, was head of specialist distribution for the North of England.

Pedlar has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry.

The bank recently announced new roles and promotions for Barry Luhmann, Dave Burke, Mareeza Mitri and Fran Arnold.

Mirakian says: “Chris’s promotion recognises both his hard work and dedication to the team and the skills he will bring to the role.

“He is an inspirational sales leader and I’m sure he will excel in delivering the ambitious targets we have set ourselves for next year.

“It’s another great example of our desire to develop home-grown talent and give our people the opportunity to take on new challenges, to encourage them to reach their full potential and to support them as they build successful careers.”