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Former NatWest loan portfolio specialist Damian Thompson is ending his recent career break to take on the top job at the UK subsidiary of Estonia-based LHV Group. Thompson will become CEO of LHV Bank UK on 4 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
Kris Brewster will continue as interim CEO until Thompson arrives. The retail banking director took over leadership of LHV Bank from Erki Kilu at the beginning of April.
LHV Group confirmed the appointment via a corporate action filed to Nasdaq on Friday. The filing underlines Thompson's prior experience in banking, technology, and lending specifically.
Thompson spent nearly two decades working for NatWest Markets, leading the team that provided funding, risk management, and loan portfolio services to financial institutions.
He then moved to serve as chief asset management officer for Starling, where LHV Group notes that Thompson helped to grow the UK challenger's loan book to more than £5 billion.
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In addition to this work, Thompson also headed Fleet Mortgages, the buy-to-let lender acquired by Starling in July 2021, which was his first experience as CEO. His career break commenced in April.
LHV Bank recorded over £1 billion in total commercial loan output in September. This milestone in the bank's loan book was achieved relatively soon after a UK banking licence was granted in 2023. The portfolio ended its first year at £289 million, and increased 136% to £700 million by the end of 2025.
Mihkel Torim, chairman of the board of LHV Bank, comments: "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."
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Senior Reporter, FinTech Futures
Tyler Pathe is a financial reporter, moderator and investigator with a specific interest in financial technology, banking and the financial industry's latest innovations.