LHV Bank hires Starling’s Thompson as CEO
Damian Thompson has been appointed chief executive and executive director of LHV Bank to lead the next phase of the company’s growth.
He will take on the role on 4 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval. This comes after the group reshuffled its senior leadership earlier this year, putting Kris Brewster at the helm on an interim basis.
Thompson has more than 30 years’ experience working in UK banking, structured finance and financial services. This includes nearly 20 years in senior roles at NatWest Markets covering originations, structuring and finance, before joining Starling Bank’s executive team in 2021.
At Starling Bank, Thompson was responsible for lending and asset management as it entered its growth phase as its chief asset management officer. The bank saw its loan assets grow to more than £5bn under his leadership, primarily across mortgages and SME lending.
He was later chief executive of Starling Bank’s buy-to-let lender, Fleet Mortgages. Following this, he was responsible for Starling Bank’s SME banking products, retail overdrafts and loan products.
LHV Bank recently passed the £1bn SME lending milestone, which Thompson will focus on primarily, as well as growing its lending more broadly.
Episode 3: Self Employed: Powered by Partnership podcast from Newcastle for Intermediaries
Sponsored by Newcastle for Intermediaries
Mihkel Torim, chairman of the board of LHV Bank, said: “Damian knows banking, lending and technology. He combines the experience of one of the UK’s largest banks with the pace of Starling, where he led the growth of its lending as it became a major digital bank, and he shares the entrepreneurial spirit that defines LHV.
“Growing our local presence in the UK on a strong technology platform is at the core of our strategy, and Damian has the experience to lead it.”
Thompson (pictured) said: “LHV Bank has strong foundations for its next phase of growth: advanced technology, the backing of a group with a sustained record of profitable growth, and a clear ambition to expand its lending. The opportunity to lead a bank with that tech advantage through rapid growth while maintaining the highest standards of risk management and regulatory compliance is compelling.
“I look forward to working with the UK team and colleagues across the group to lead LHV Bank into its next chapter.”
