Paragon Banking Group PLC is to appoint Richard Rowntree as its new Managing Director of Mortgages, subject to regulatory approval. Mr. Rowntree will be joining Paragon from Bank of Ireland where he is Managing Director of UK Mortgages. Mr. Rowntree will be taking over the reins from John Heron when he retires early next year. He brings a wealth of specialist banking experience having previously held roles at RBS (Williams & Glyn), Santander, Lloyds TSB and Halifax. He is also the Chairman of UK Finance's Mortgage Product Board.