LHV Bank, the UK banking subsidiary of Estonia-based LHV Group, has announced the appointment of Damian Thompson as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, strengthening its leadership as the bank prepares for its next phase of growth in the British financial services market.
Thompson is scheduled to take up his new position on January 4, 2027, subject to regulatory approval. He will succeed interim CEO Kris Brewster, who has been leading the bank during its leadership transition.
With more than 35 years of experience in UK banking, Thompson brings extensive expertise in commercial lending, financial services, and banking operations. He spent nearly two decades in senior positions at NatWest Markets before joining the executive leadership team at digital challenger bank Starling Bank in 2021.
During his time at Starling, Thompson played a central role in expanding the bank's lending activities, overseeing growth that pushed its loan portfolio beyond £5 billion. His responsibilities included lending and asset management, supporting the institution's development into a major participant in the UK's digital banking sector.
In 2023, he also became Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Mortgages, Starling's specialist buy-to-let mortgage lender, further expanding his experience in property finance and specialist lending.
The leadership appointment comes as LHV Bank increases its focus on commercial financing and technology-driven banking services in the UK. The lender has surpassed £1 billion in its loan portfolio, positioning the business for further expansion across specialist lending segments.
Mihkel Torim, Chairman of LHV Bank, highlighted Thompson's combination of traditional banking experience, lending expertise, and familiarity with digital financial services as important strengths for the institution's future development.
The bank aims to build on its established technology infrastructure while expanding its UK lending operations and maintaining strong risk management and regulatory standards.
Thompson's appointment reflects LHV Bank's strategy to combine digital banking capabilities with experienced leadership as it seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive UK financial services sector.
