The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has announced that Stephanie Charman has been appointed as chief executive, succeeding Robert Sinclair.

Charman will join AMI from her current role as group partnerships and propositions director at Sesame Bankhall Group, after spending over seven years with the business. 

Her previous roles have been within distribution over the past 25 years, including specialist distributor Positive Lending and mortgage network Mortgage Intelligence.

Charman will start her new role on 24 February next year. 

Sinclair announced he would be stepping down as chief executive earlier this year in June. He departs Ami in February 2025 after 16 years. 

AMI chair Andrew Montlake says: “It was always going to be a momentous occasion when Robert finally decided to step down, and his unwavering commitment to the mortgage industry and efforts to foster collaboration between regulators, trade bodies, lenders and brokers have left an indelible mark on the sector.”

“I want to thank him personally for all his guidance and it has been such a valuable and fun experience working with him.”

“However, it is time to look to the future and after an exhaustive search we are delighted to have someone with the calibre and industry standing as Steph.”

“Steph really impressed us with her clear passion for the industry, especially the importance of intermediary led advice, understanding the needs of mortgage brokers and her determination to lead AMI into a bright new dawn. I am excited to work with her on growing the reach of AMI, continuing to build and improve relationships with regulators and other trade bodies, and making sure we provide exceptional value to our members.”

Sinclair adds: “In appointing Steph, the Association has taken a critical step in passing ownership of our industry to the next generation.  I cannot wait to see where the undoubted influence that AMI has can now be shaped to by her to continue to promote the intermediary and advice journey.”

Commenting on her appointment, Charman states: “I am genuinely thrilled to be appointed as the new CEO of AMI. Throughout my years of working across the intermediary sector I have been a passionate promoter of the need and value of advice.”

“It’s a privilege to take on the responsibility of continuing the high standards already established whilst evolving AMI’s mission to address the current and future needs of advisers.

“Robert has been an exceptional advocate for our sector, tirelessly representing the needs and challenges faced by advisers. Thank you, Robert, for all you have done, and I am truly honoured to pick up the mantle and lead AMI into its next chapter.”