AIFA founder Smee named CML director-general

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has appointed Paul Smee as its incoming director-general, starting on 1 August.

Smee, best known in the mortgage industry as founding director-general of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA), and most lately, chief executive of the Payments Council.

Smee (pictured) is already heading up the rebrand and membership broadening exercise underway at SHIP, the equity release lender trade body.

Smee's CV also lists the Independent Television Commission, the Association of British Insurers, the London Stock Exchange and the then Department of Trade and Industry.

Outgoing CML chairman Colin Walsh, said: "[Paul] brings with him a wealth of experience and a successful track record in delivering for trade bodies and their members."

Walsh also paid tribute to outgoing director-general Michael Coogan, who leaves the organisation at the end of July.