Andy Gray, the former managing director of mortgages at Barclays is set to join Optima Legal as a non-executive director, if the move is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Optima is the legal services arm of general outsourcing company Capita.
According to Optima, Andy’s role will be to challenge and assist in developing Optima Legal’s strategy and proposition to the wider market. He will provide further insight and understanding from a client perspective, helping Optima Legal to meet challenges facing UK financial institutions.
Optima say Andy has more than 30 years’ experience in the UK banking sector and is a well-respected figure in the industry. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Mortgage Awards 2015 and was previously managing director of mortgages at Barclays, deputy chairman of the Council of Mortgages Lenders and a member of the executive committee.
David Ashcroft, managing director at Optima Legal, said: “I am delighted that Andy is joining our already talented team. His reputation across our core markets is second to none and his experience, insight and leadership will help accelerate our growth and impact.
“Andy will be able to inject the voice and expectations of our clients and customers into all our strategies and day to day operations, ensuring we deliver the best possible outcomes and legal service experiences. His appointment confirms Optima Legal’s continuing commitment to differentiating itself from the competition and further underlines Capita’s wider ambitions in the UK mortgage market.”
Andy said: “I’m looking forward to working with David and his team, to develop the Optima Legal proposition and brand with a focus on the changing needs of both lenders and their customers.”
