As industry legend Sally Laker officially retires, having been recognised with the Outstanding Contribution accolade at the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2024 last week, tributes have flooded in.

Laker has spent 50 years in the mortgage industry, serving 27 of those at Mortgage Intelligence, and announced her retirement in late 2023, gradually passing the gauntlet to new managing director, John Cupis.

Her official last day was 16 May, coinciding with the Mortgage Intelligence annual conference, where she was interviewed on stage by Nationwide director of intermediary relationships, Ian Andrew.

Speaking of her tenure in the industry, Andrew said: “Sally has been an industry stalwart for many years.

“As well as superbly leading Mortgage Intelligence for over 25 years, she has also been an important role model for female colleagues looking to develop a career in the mortgage industry. She has been fantastic to deal with; passionate, committed, trustworthy and fun. Everyone at Nationwide would like to wish her a long and happy retirement. She has certainly earned it.”

Adding to this, Connells Group lender services managing director, Adrian Scott, said: “Sally has had a substantial impact on, not just the industry but on many individuals within it. She is respected professionally and personally and this is evident in the sheer number of those wanting to express their gratitude. We will all miss greatly her warmth and energy. She’s had a remarkable career, and no one deserves a happier retirement than Sally.”

Further well-known names adding their voices to the tributes included Lloyds Banking Group managing director, Esther Dijkstra, who said: “Sally Laker has made significant contributions to the mortgage broker industry through her leadership at Mortgage Intelligence and her support for quality distribution. She has been a role model and a pleasure to work with, always bringing her kindness and good sense of humour. Even during difficult debates, Sally never lost sight of our common purpose, always putting the team above herself. She will be deeply missed and I, personally, will miss working with her.”

HSBC UK senior corporate account manager Tracie Burton says: “Sally is such an inspiring, strong, and compassionate leader whose impact on our industry and to many people is immeasurable.

“Her achievements are not just measured in numbers or milestones, or the determination to push boundaries and a relentless pursuit of excellence, but also the doors that she has opened for future generations of women in the mortgage business.

“Sally’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence for years to come I’m sure. I would not be doing the job I love today if it was not for the mentorship and support she has given me over many years. While her presence, will be missed in the industry. I want to wish her a wonderfully happy retirement, full of exciting adventures and lots of laughter along the way.”

Nationwide corporate relationship manager Joe Heayes says: “As a woman in the financial industry I have always found Sally to be an inspirational leader.  From the very first time I met her she was so welcoming, generous with her time and was happy to share her knowledge and expertise.  She is highly respected and is able to deliver her insight with grace, warmth and passion.  This has no doubt influenced the culture at Mortgage Intelligence, which echoes those behaviours.  Sally will be very much missed, but I wish her every happiness and hope she gets some time to relax as she starts her new adventure!”

Further plaudits came from Dynamo managing director John Cupis and new MI MD John Cupis, who said: “Sally has left a lasting legacy and it’s my honour look after something she has taken from strength to strength. Sally is held in such high esteem and Mortgage Intelligence, our staff and our clients could not think more highly of her. I am looking forward to building on the success created by Sally and the team, who drive forward Mortgage Intelligence to reach new heights and improve the lives of our staff and our members.”

And Capital Private Finance financial services director James Keable added: “I knew Sally Laker’s name and place in the industry well before I knew Sally. She was always a valued source of opinion, panel member or contributor whenever the industry needed an honest and insightful view.

“In more recent years, and in particular, in my role at Capital Private Finance (part of the Mortgage Intelligence network), I have been more directly involved with Sally and it’s now very clear to me why everyone wanted Sally’s perspective.

“Sally has a knack of making you feel like what you think and say matters and most importantly, she listens to your opinion and is genuinely interested. She will be greatly missed and everyone at CPF wishes her an enjoyable and restful, well-earned retirement.”

Read more about Sally Laker’s career in her outgoing interview with Mortgage Strategy, here.