John Haley has been appointed Mortgage Strategy commercial director. He takes the reins at an exciting time, with the Mortgage Strategy Awards celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2027.
Mortgage Strategy spoke to Haley about his career so far and the opportunities his role at Mortgage Strategy presents.
Where were you working previously and what was your role?
I spent much of my career at Newton Media, from 2008 to 2026, as commercial director and publisher across legal, re/insurance and technology transformation. The common thread has been helping commercial partners win clients through bespoke opportunities that connect them with the right audiences. For me, the best partnerships start with listening and developing ideas around what businesses actually need.
What excites you most about your role at Mortgage Strategy?
Building on the momentum of the past two years. MiT Live and the Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards have been incredibly well received. I’m looking forward to getting to know our broker and lending community, understanding their priorities and exploring how we can help them engage with the Mortgage Strategy audience and build stronger relationships.
What previous experience can you draw on to take Mortgage Strategy to the next level?
Working across different sectors gives you fresh perspectives. As partnerships director at LegalTechTalk, I saw how events must evolve to create brilliant attendee experiences while delivering meaningful engagement and results for sponsors. I’m hoping to bring some of that sparkle to our events and awards programme in 2027.
You join Mortgage Strategy at a time when it is planning the 25th anniversary of its awards – widely seen as the Oscars in this industry. How important are these events and what exciting things can we look forward to seeing in 2027?
Twenty five years is an incredible milestone for the industry’s finest awards. They give us time to celebrate the leaders, innovators and people powering the mortgage industry, recognising their contribution.
Working on the 2027 flagship event is a real privilege, and we’re exploring ways to bring fresh experiences and a few surprises to 2027, building on everything that makes the “Oscars of the mortgage industry” such a special night.