Mortgage and protection network HLPartnership has appointed Rudi Botha (pictured) as CEO, subject to FCA approval.
He succeeds Chris Tanner who is stepping back from day-to-day executive leadership.
Under Tanner’s leadership, HLP has grown to support nearly 600 member firms and 1,200 advisers, with annual lending volumes nearing £14bn.
During that time, the business added it has strengthened its financial position, invested in proprietary technology, deepened relationships with lenders and providers, and developed its proposition to advisers.
Tanner will remain involved at Josewin as a board adviser.
Botha is expected to transition from his current role as CEO of BetterHome Group to become CEO of the network. In his new role, he will work closely with the HLP team, its member firms, and its lender and provider partners.
The proposed transition follows BetterHome Group’s strategic investment in HLP in 2024 and marks the next stage in the network’s development.
Until the regulatory approval process has concluded, HLP will continue to operate under its existing approved governance and management arrangements. Members, advisers, lender and provider partners will continue to work with their usual HLP contacts, with no immediate disruption to day-to-day support, compliance support, technology priorities or partner relationships.
Tanner said: “It has been a privilege to lead HLP and to work alongside such a talented team, committed member firms and valued partners. HLP has always been built on relationships, trust and a genuine commitment to supporting advisers, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
“Rudi brings real entrepreneurial energy, a people-focused leadership style and deep experience in building technology-enabled businesses that support consumers, advisers and partners across the home ownership journey.
“Since BetterHome Group’s investment in HLP, he has shown genuine respect for the culture of the business, the strength of our member firms, and the relationships that have helped build the network. I am confident he is the right person to lead HLP into its next chapter, and I am pleased to remain involved at board level to support that journey.”
Botha added: “Chris has built HLP into one of the UK’s leading mortgage and protection networks, and I am grateful to be picking up the baton from someone who has led the business with such distinction. The culture, the people and the partner-first approach that Chris and the HLP team have built are exactly what drew us to the business.
“The UK mortgage market is one of the most sophisticated and entrepreneurial in the world, and HLP sits at the heart of it.
“Our focus is to protect what makes HLP special while investing in the areas that will help member firms grow, including technology, data, proposition development, adviser support and deeper partnerships across the mortgage and protection market.”