Skipton BS appoints new head of mortgage lending

Skipton Building Society has appointed Simon Farrell-Roberts as head of mortgage lending for Skipton Group. 

Simon joined the Society in September bringing over 30 years of industry expertise to the role. 

Before joining Skipton, Simon was head of performance and operations for the direct mortgage and protection business at Lloyds Banking Group. Prior to that, he was a regional mortgage and protection manager at Halifax, before becoming head of performance and later head of customer delivery.

In his new role, Simon will lead Skipton’s mortgage lending team, guiding customers from application to the day they receive their keys. His vision includes improving the speed and efficiency of decision-making processes, utilising technology to streamline routine tasks, and allowing Skipton’s experts more time for personalised service.

Simon said: "I’m passionate about helping customers achieve their homeownership goals, and I’m excited to bring that commitment to Skipton.

“I was drawn to Skipton because of its genuine commitment to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers. The Society’s innovative products, partnerships, and approach to tackling real customer challenges reflect a culture of purpose that I admire.

“It’s encouraging to see first-time buyers leading the market recovery this year. As customers increasingly seek digital solutions, we’re embracing new technologies to make the mortgage process simpler and less stressful.

“A mortgage is an enabler for our customers’ dreams. Our approach is to treat each customer individually, ensuring our service supports their unique journey to homeownership.”

Outside of work, Simon is passionate about property, fitness, and modern art. He lives in Manchester with his husband and enjoys running, discovering new dining spots, and keeping up with his favourite podcasts.