The banking giant says the change comes after veteran Rickards accepted a part-time role as chair at broker London and Country Mortgages, subject to Financial Conduct Authority approval.  

Leigh Church will step into the role as head of BM Solutions, while the bank carries out a full recruitment process for the post. BM Solutions is the buy-to-let brand of the group, which focuses on traditional landlords, as well as small- to medium-sized portfolios.  

Church will oversee the unit’s field-based and telephony business development teams. He steps up from a regional sales manager at the group, where he has worked for more than 15 years.  

Rickards joined Birmingham Midshires Building Society in 1993 as a financial adviser, before progressing to supervisor, area and regional manager, before taking on a head of sales role.  

Lloyds Banking Group managing director for intermediaries Esther Dijkstra says: “Phil’s commitment and dedication to BM Solutions over the last 30 years is unrivalled, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution across the industry.   

“Buy-to-let is a key part of the business, and I am confident BM Solutions is in safe hands with Leigh picking up the reins.”