Skip to main content
News
Development

HTB Promotes New Development Finance Lending Manager

HTB promotes Athens Piponides to development finance lending manager, enhancing support for developers and brokers in the Midlands.

By David Sampson
2 September 2026
2 min read
UK development mortgage article image for HTB Promotes New Development Finance Lending Manager

TL;DR

  • Athens Piponides has been promoted to development finance lending manager at HTB, focusing on improving relationships with developers and brokers in the Midlands.
  • this change aims to enhance customer support throughout development projects.

Written by David Sampson for Mortgage118. Last updated 2 September 2026. Reviewed against our editorial standards. Editorial standards. Mortgage118 is a directory — not FCA-authorised and not a mortgage adviser.

HTB has announced the promotion of Athens Piponides to the role of development finance lending manager, a move that underscores the bank’s commitment to enhancing its relationships with developers and brokers across the Midlands. This appointment is significant as it reflects HTB’s strategy to strengthen its development finance offerings and improve customer service during property transactions.

Who is Athens Piponides?

Athens Piponides has been with HTB since April 2024, previously serving as a relationship manager for over two years. His background includes experience as an underwriter in specialist property finance and as a loan manager for development finance at Crystal Specialist Finance. Piponides began his career as an assistant surveyor at CrowdProperty after earning a first-class degree in Real Estate from Birmingham City University.

What are Piponides’ Responsibilities in Development Finance?

In his new role, Piponides will oversee development finance relationships, collaborating closely with developers and brokers as projects advance. His responsibilities will include making critical lending decisions and adapting to the evolving circumstances of development schemes, which often do not proceed as planned. This hands-on approach is essential for ensuring that projects remain on track and that clients receive the support they need.

What This Means for Developers and Brokers in Development Finance

For developers and brokers in the Midlands, Piponides’ promotion signals a more focused approach to development finance at HTB. His extensive experience in the sector positions him well to understand the challenges faced by clients. This could lead to more tailored solutions and improved communication throughout the development process, ultimately benefiting those seeking financing for their projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will this change affect development finance clients?

Clients can expect enhanced support and more effective communication as Piponides brings his experience to bear on development finance relationships, ensuring that their needs are met throughout the project lifecycle.

What is HTB’s focus in development finance?

HTB aims to attract, develop, and retain top talent while providing practical, solution-focused outcomes for clients, which is important in navigating the complexities of development finance.

About David Sampson

David Sampson writes about the UK mortgage market for Mortgage118, covering specialist lending, market trends, and practical advice for borrowers. All content is reviewed for accuracy against FCA guidelines and current market data.