Mortgage Advice Bureau has made a key promotion along with a series of new appointments in its sales team.  

The network has promoted Rupert Swetman (pictured) to the newly-created role of partnership sales director from partnership sales manager, after joining the business a year ago.  

Swetman, a 25-year industry veteran, is tasked with building a specialist team of business consultants.  

He has so far appointed two partnership managers — Kiah Foster and Ben Leach.   

Foster joins after spending seven years at the network’s Australian division.  

While Leach worked at Nationwide for 16 years in a variety of senior roles, where he was responsible for improving customer/employee journeys, driving efficiencies, and boosting operational performance.  

The trio will be supported by partnership telephone account manager Francesca James, who will continue to act as a link to the firm’s strategic partners.   

Mortgage Advice Bureau chief executive Peter Brodnicki says: “Following a successful start to 2024 and continued business growth, we’re delighted to have promoted Rupert to partnership sales director, and welcome Kiah and Ben on board in their respective roles.  

Earlier this month, the Aim-listed firm said industry mortgage lending was down 13% in the first three months of the year, in a trading update.  

However, its mortgage completions were broadly flat at £5.7bn over the same period — made up of £4.1bn in mortgage completions and £1.6bn in product transfers.