Paragon Bank has promoted Matt Fulford to head of specialist lending within its mortgage division.

Fulford joined Paragon 15 years ago as a mortgage underwriter before moving into the mortgage credit team, where he later progressed to lead the function.

Prior to Paragon, he spent 18 years in the mortgage industry with Halifax and Skipton Building Society across lending, relationship manager and business development roles.

In his new role, Fulford will lead the lender’s specialist lending proposition and oversee the rollout of the bank’s newly established portfolio relationship management approach.

He will report to Lisa Steele, mortgage lending director.

Commenting on his promotion, Fulford says: “As the buy-to-let market continues to evolve, it’s important that we continue to develop our proposition in ways that reflect the increasingly diverse needs of landlords and the brokers who support them.”

“The introduction of our Portfolio Relationship Management team is an important part of that strategy.”

Steele adds: “This promotion is thoroughly deserved and reflects the contribution Matt makes across our mortgage operations function.”

“Having played an important role in several areas of our Mortgages business, Matt brings a valuable perspective to the role, helping ensure we continue to develop our proposition in a way that reflects the changing needs of the buy-to-let market.”