Hampshire Trust Bank has hired Louisa Sedgwick as deputy managing director, specialist mortgages.

The lender says she will work alongside managing director Charles McDowell and the existing specialist mortgages leadership team.

It adds that Sedgwick “will support all aspects of the business and help to identify and execute initiatives to complement Hampshire Trust Bank existing specialist mortgages proposition”.

Sedgwick joins from Vida Homeloans where she worked for just over four-and-a-half years, leaving as managing director of mortgages.

Prior to that, she spent just under two-and-a-half years at Leeds Building Society, leaving as head of intermediary distribution.

Hampshire Trust Bank’s McDowell said: “At Hampshire Trust Bank, collecting talent is in our DNA. If you get the best people, the best things happen – and Louisa’s reputation is second to none.”

“I have never shied away from stating our ambition. After an incredible period of growth and success, we are looking to continue on that journey. Louisa is pivotal in our plans and I’m excited at where we’re going.”

Sedgwick added: “Hampshire Trust Bank’s ambition and it’s already successful and solid platform was an attractive combination.”

In July, Paradigm Mortgage Services added Hampshire Trust Bank to its lender panel.

The mortgage club says the deal gives its members access to the lender’s product range, such as complex specialist buy-to-let deals and residential bridging loans.