Okey takes up the newly created position to remodel and increase mortgage and protection sales through the intermediary channel.
He will be based in London and will report to director Ambrose McGinn.
The appointment comes as Abbey owners Banco Santander Central Hispano moves to quash persistent media speculation that it is considering selling off its intermediary arm.
BSCH says it will invest in its mortgage and protection business and its commitment to the mortgage intermediary sector is shown by the creation of Okey’s role.
Okey left Charcol last Nov-ember, shortly before the ann-ouncement of its sale. He spent nearly four years at Charcol and 13 years at Allied Dunbar.
He says: “With the regulation of mortgages and general insurance behind us, this is the perfect opportunity to build on the success of the Abbey brand in mortgages and Scottish Provident in protection. The intermediary is a big part of the Abbey business. I would first like to grow the presence Abbey has in the marketplace.”
McGinn says: “Ricky has a demonstrable track record of building successful teams and growing businesses.”