HTB appoints Syrett as origination head for development finance

Specialist lender Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has promoted Rob Syrett (pictured) to head of origination within the development finance team.

In the new role at HTB, Syrett will oversee “driving and delivering new development business”, which includes managing and growing the specialist team.

This includes lending directors who work closely with exiting and new-to-bank development finance customers.

He will report to Alex Upton, managing director for development finance.

Syrett joined the firm in 2022 as lending director for property finance, and before that worked at United Trust Bank (UTB) for over seven years, most recently as senior manager for property development.

Prior to that, he was a restructuring manager at Zurich Insurance for over five years, and before that worked at Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander between 2001 and 2009.

Upton said: “At HTB, we never rest on our laurels. We’re investing across the development finance business and setting ourselves up for ambitious growth in 2024. People are our greatest asset, and we are expanding the team to keep service levels exceptionally high as we grow.

“The head of origination plays a key role in building strong relationships with our brokers and clients. Rob has the experience and the drive to smash his new role and make a real impact.”

She added: “Delivering our award-winning development finance proposition requires a focus on innovation. Rob’s promotion is part of our wider target to continuously deliver innovative, insight-driven lending solutions that our people, developer clients and brokers are proud of.”

Syrett said: “I’m thrilled to take on this new role as head of origination. In my career, I have always emphasised the importance of collaboration, so I’m excited to deepen the existing relationships we have with brokers and clients, as well as build long-lasting new partnerships.

“HTB adopts a flexible and specialist approach that enables us to provide an excellent service to clients and third parties. The team has a phenomenal amount of experience that separates us from our competitors, with 2024 already shaping up to be another strong year.”