"The experience I’ve gained running a brokerage means that I totally understand the day-to-day challenges firms and brokers encounter, so I can ensure the right solutions are delivered to MAB partners and advisers. "
- Rachel Geddes
Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has announced two new appointments to support its growth plans.
Rachel Geddes (pictured) will take on the role of strategic partnerships director, reporting into distribution director, Gareth Herbert. With 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Santander and Countrywide, Rachel joined Mortgage Advice Bureau 13 years ago and has managed her own brokerage for the last 10 years.
Rachel has extensive expertise in helping customers who require more specialist support, and providing extensive training to brokers in more niche areas of lending. This will be integral to her new role, which will see Rachel working closely alongside lender partners to identify additional opportunities for innovation, and with AR firms and brokers to ensure they have the tools they need to generate more leads and expand their knowledge.
Reporting into Rachel, Felicity Barnett will take on the role of lending operations manager. Felicity started her career in financial services at Nationwide, where she progressed into the role of business development manager. Having worked across Skipton Building Society, London & Country, and most recently, The Mortgage Brain, Felicity’s experience lies predominantly in business growth and managing relationships with key stakeholders across the industry - particularly within the new build sector.
Building on her more than 20 years of experience, Felicity will support Rachel in driving lending initiatives across the Group, including further strengthening MAB’s new build proposition and market share.
Rachel Geddes said: “Looking for ways to help more clients achieve their financial goals has always been my passion. The experience I’ve gained running a brokerage means that I totally understand the day-to-day challenges firms and brokers encounter, so I can ensure the right solutions are delivered to MAB partners and advisers.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside MAB for 13 years, and I have always been struck by how innovative they are - not to mention their growth-oriented mindset and tireless commitment to supporting their brokers. I always wanted to work with a company that puts its people and customers first, and MAB does this best. I can’t wait to get started and be part of this exciting new journey.”
Felicity Barnett commented: “This is a journey I’m eager to be part of, and I’m most looking forward to the opportunity of working with the MAB team to shape the future, embracing technology and AI to do so. MAB’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with the ability to anticipate industry trends and stay ahead of the curve, is truly impressive.
“What stands out to me is MAB’s skilful blend of technology with traditional, high-quality mortgage advice. They prioritise supporting their distribution by continuously improving knowledge, while investing in tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy. I believe that with MAB’s collective strength, we have the potential to make a real impact on the housing market, which is in dire need of reform.”
Peter Brodnicki, CEO of Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: “Rachel and Felicity will make a formidable team, and they perfectly reflect the ambition and culture of this business. I would like to congratulate them both on their new roles, and I look forward to them joining at what is an incredibly exciting time for the business.”
Gareth Herbert, distribution director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Rachel and Felicity to our fantastic team, where they’ll be working closely with our AR strategic partners and lenders. They will both be integral to our success for years to come, as we continue to grow our market share and further enhance our industry-leading proposition.”
