Meet the Cornerstone Team
A team of experienced professionals, dedicated to delivering trusted financial solutions.
Samuel Posejpal
Digital Transformation Executive
Samuel Posejpal
Digital Transformation Executive
About
A digital transformation executive with a background in marketing and computer science. With hands-on experience in marketing and data analytics Sam connects the dots between people, data, and technology.
Outside of work, he loves hiking, hitting the gym, and reading.
Will Morgan
Digital Transformation Executive
Will Morgan
Digital Transformation Executive
About
I joined the group in 2022 after completing a BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security, followed by an MSc in Computer Systems Security. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in a variety of key initiatives, including our conferences and last year’s Expo.
Working closely with Martyn, I’ve contributed to modernising and enhancing the group’s infrastructure through projects such as equipment acquisition, PowerApps development, and more.
Outside of work, I’m a Cardiff City supporter and a big fan of live music. I enjoy travelling to new countries and attending festivals, with favourite bands including The Stone Roses, Oasis, and DMA’s.
Assiya Touzani
Marketing Executive
Assiya Touzani
Marketing Executive
About
Moroccan-born and trilingual (Arabic, English, and French). I hold a bachelor’s degree in International Management and a master’s in Digital Marketing. I joined Cornerstone in 2022 to lead our marketing efforts and ensure our brand truly shines.
Outside the office, I’m a big fan of weightlifting, because nothing says “stress relief” like picking up heavy things and putting them back down again.
Sophie Davies
Accounts Assistant
Sophie Davies
Accounts Assistant
About
I joined at the end of 2024, having just completed my BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Nottingham. I’m currently studying towards my ACCA qualification while working here.
I work alongside Chris and Leon to ensure payments are processed accurately and on time, as well as helping to manage our internal financial systems.
Outside of work, I spend much of my free time travelling to London, spending time with my dog, and hanging out with friends. I also try to pick up my guitar whenever I get the chance!
Leon Nyabvure
Accounts Manager
Leon Nyabvure
Accounts Manager
About
An experienced accounting professional at Cornerstone Finance Group, holding a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance. I specialise in managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, and financial reporting - providing the financial clarity and analysis that support informed strategic planning and decision-making within the business. I’m currently working towards furthering my qualifications with CIMA and plan to achieve this in the near future.
Outside of work, I’m a keen traveller - always chasing the sun and exploring destinations rich in culture and history. I’m a lifelong Manchester United supporter - recently stepped back from my club membership, but my passion remains strong despite the ups and downs. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing Tennis, and look forward to returning to district football league matches soon.
Chris Wilson
Finance & Performance Manager
Chris Wilson
Finance & Performance Manager
About
An accountant with 10 years’ experience in finance and accounting across multiple industries, supported by qualifications including AAT, a BA (Hons) in Business, and the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting. During this time, I’ve built a strong foundation in management accounting, business analysis, and planning.
A big football fan, I coincidentally began my career around the same time as Manchester United’s decline, building resilience and loyalty in both! Outside of work, I also enjoy travelling, running, and trying new experiences.
Luke Jones
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
Luke Jones
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
About
I’m one of the newest members of the mortgage team, having joined Cornerstone in April to help manage the growing number of mortgage enquiries.
I’ve worked in mortgages since 2018, gaining experience with various building societies. I always aspired to advise in a whole-of-market setting, so after completing my CeMAP exams, I made that leap. I love helping people achieve their goals and dreams, it's one of the few roles in finance that truly feels rewarding.
Outside of work, I’m a busy husband, dad, coach, and player. If I’m not driving my kids to football, rugby, cricket, or tennis, I’m coaching U10s rugby, cheering from the sidelines, or playing wheelchair rugby with the Dragons.
luke.jones@cornerstonefinance.co.uk
Wayne Donovan
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
Wayne Donovan
Mortgage & Protection Adviser
Paul Morgan
Head of Protection
Paul Morgan
Head of Protection
Sharon Preddy
Customer Service Manager
Sharon Preddy
Customer Service Manager
About
Sharon brings over 42 years of financial services experience to her role as Commercial Support Officer. She joined Cornerstone in 2020 following a 33-year career at NatWest, where she held roles in both retail and business banking before moving into the merchant card services industry. Sharon also has experience running her own business and working for the Federation of Small Businesses.
Hilary Foster
Customer Service Manager
Hilary Foster
Customer Service Manager
About
Hilary is a part-time Triage Officer who joined the Cornerstone team in January 2023, bringing a wealth of life experience and common sense to her role. Her professional career was in retail banking, where she held a variety of roles including Risk, Branch, and Human Resource Management, gaining professional qualifications in each area.
She later took on further roles in Mortgage Regulation and Compliance and holds the CeMAP qualification.
Jake Thomas
Commercial Support Officer
Jake Thomas
Commercial Support Officer
About
Jake joined Cornerstone in August 2024 as part of the Compliance team, where he developed a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks and industry practices. He holds a degree in Business Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University and began his career at Cornerstone immediately after completing his studies.
After 8 months, Jake transitioned to the Commercial team and now works as a Commercial Support Officer. In this role, he is focused on deepening his industry knowledge and is actively preparing to undertake his financial exams, with the goal of progressing further within the Commercial team.
Tom Apjohn-Williams
Commercial Manager
Tom Apjohn-Williams
Commercial Manager
About
Tom joined Cornerstone in August 2024 following his graduation from the University of Bath with a 2:1 BSc in Business, which included industry placements in Account Management and Marketing. Having progressed through Cornerstone’s Graduate Scheme, Tom was appointed Commercial Manager in April 2025. He is also continuing his studies post-university, working towards his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Kelly Morgan
Commercial Manager, Asset Finance
Kelly Morgan
Commercial Manager, Asset Finance
About
After graduating with a degree in Business Management, Kelly began her career in marketing before transitioning into the financial sector. She joined our team in 2024 as a Commercial Manager, specialising in Asset Finance.
Ben Gauci
Commercial Manager
Ben Gauci
Commercial Manager
About
Ben joined Cornerstone in October 2022, beginning his career in our Compliance department. During this time, he successfully achieved his CII Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice, building a strong foundation in regulated mortgage advice and compliance practices.
Prior to joining Cornerstone, Ben completed his postgraduate studies at the University of South Wales, graduating with a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment with distinction.
In January 2024, Ben transitioned into our Commercial team, where he now specialises in a range of property finance solutions, including both regulated and unregulated bridging finance, complex buy-to-let mortgages, and commercial mortgage arrangements.
Dedicated to CPD, Ben is currently studying towards his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Loui O’Brien
Commercial Manager
Loui O’Brien
Commercial Manager
About
Loui brings over three years of experience supporting trading businesses and property investors with their financial requirements in his role as a Commercial Manager at Cornerstone Finance.
After graduating with a degree in Business Management from Cardiff University, Loui began his career in the logistics sector, completing a graduate scheme that laid the foundation for his professional development.
In March 2022, he transitioned into financial services, joining Cornerstone to pursue his interest in commercial finance. Since then, he has achieved his CII Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice and has established himself as a specialist in delivering tailored financial solutions to a broad range of clients.
Neil Hillard
Business Development Manager
Neil Hillard
Business Development Manager
About
Neil brings a wealth of industry experience to his role as Business Development Manager. He entered financial services in 1988, becoming an IFA, and spent four years with HSBC advising commercial and corporate clients. Neil joined Cornerstone in 2022, having previously run his own mortgage brokerage for several years. He is CeMAP qualified and a property specialist, with expertise in bridging finance, buy-to-let, commercial and residential investment, and commercial owner-occupier transactions.
Jamie Ringer
Sales Director
Jamie Ringer
Sales Director
About
Jamie is a dynamic sales director known for his strategic leadership, results-driven mindset, and ability to build high-performing teams. With over 12 years of experience in commercial finance industry, Jamie has led transformative initiatives across multiple sectors, consistently exceeding targets and driving sustainable growth.
Before transitioning into the corporate world, Jamie enjoyed a successful career as a professional rugby player. Representing Wales at every level including senior caps, he developed a deep understanding of teamwork, resilience, and performance under pressure - qualities that have become hallmarks of his leadership style in business.
Drawing from his time on the pitch, Jamie brings a unique blend of competitive spirit and strategic thinking to his sales leadership. He is passionate about mentoring others, fostering a winning culture, and aligning sales operations with long-term organizational goals.
Today, James continues to channel the discipline and focus that defined his rugby career into his role as a sales director, helping companies scale through innovation, customer-centric strategies, and agile sales execution.
Jon Roberts
Head of Real Estate
Jon Roberts
Head of Real Estate
About
Jon joined Cornerstone Finance in November 2024 as Head of Real Estate, following a successful 30-year career in commercial banking across Wales and the Midlands. For the past 15 years, he held specialist roles within the NatWest and Santander Real Estate teams in the Midlands, focusing on portfolio investment and development funding.
Ian Pottle
Head of Complex Funding
Ian Pottle
Head of Complex Funding
About
Ian brings a wealth of experience to his role as Head of Complex Funding. He spent 43 years at NatWest, where he served as a Commercial Manager overseeing a wide range of SME and corporate business portfolios. His roles also included Credit Underwriter, and during the 2008 financial crisis, he was instrumental in supporting stressed businesses. His final position at NatWest was as a Broker Development Manager, assisting commercial brokers with their clients’ funding requirements.
Ian joined Cornerstone in January 2020 and played a key role in supporting clients through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He now specialises in larger, complex funding deals for commercial owner-occupiers, commercial and residential investment, as well as management buyouts (MBOs), mergers, and acquisitions.
Sasha Plenty
Engagement Adviser
Sasha Plenty
Engagement Adviser
About
I enjoy engaging with advisers and being part of a team. I recently graduated from university with a 2:1 degree. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing and staying active.
Patrick Smith
Engagement Adviser
Patrick Smith
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement Advisor at Cornerstone since April 2025, and my favourite part of the role is speaking with advisers across the network. I was born and raised in Birmingham but recently moved to Cardiff to pursue my career after completing my studies at Cardiff University. In my free time, I enjoy watching football – even though my team loses every week.
Nayanaa Prashar
Senior Engagement Adviser
Nayanaa Prashar
Senior Engagement Adviser
About
I’ve been with cornerstone for 2 and a half years. I enjoy the role is varied and there’s always something new to do. Born and raised in Slough, I moved to Cardiff for university and never looked back! In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket, reading, and learning languages.
Michelle Sweetman Toledo
Engagement Adviser
Michelle Sweetman Toledo
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement advisor at Cornerstone since September 2024, and I enjoy chatting with all the advisors within my role. I have a degree in Philosophy. I love going on holiday and in my free time I enjoy Ice skating, shopping, and going out for food.
Matthew Evans
Engagement Adviser
Matthew Evans
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement Advisor at Cornerstone since the start of 2025 and I look forward to developing in my role. I have a degree in Politics and outside of work I enjoy writing and travelling.
Louis Flage
Engagement Adviser
Louis Flage
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been working for Cornerstone since the beginning of 2025. In my role I enjoy the opportunity to engage with many different professionals in their fields and provide them with support. I was born and raised in Newport and I graduated Swansea University with a degree in Criminology.
I am a big West Ham fan and enjoy watching them play in my free time.
Lindsay Smith
Engagement Adviser
Lindsay Smith
Engagement Adviser
About
I’m originally from the Midlands and now based in Cardiff. In my role, I enjoy connecting with advisers and supporting them with their business needs. I hold an MA in PR and Communications, the DipFA, and for the past four years, I’ve been working in financial services.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel, reading, trying new experiences, meeting new people, and spending quality time with friends and family.
James Doherty
QC Officer
James Doherty
QC Officer
About
I joined Cornerstone in September 2024 and currently work in the Compliance team as a QC Officer. I live in Cardiff but was born and raised in the Rhondda Valleys.
Before joining Cornerstone, I worked for over two years as a Recruitment and Sales Consultant. Outside of work, I’ve been an avid music producer, composer, and sound designer since the age of 13, collaborating with artists from around the world.
I’m currently studying towards my financial qualifications, with aspirations to provide mortgage and protection advice in the future.
Harry Morgan
QC Officer
Harry Morgan
QC Officer
About
I currently live in Roath, having moved away from the Valleys to attend university, and have lived in Cardiff ever since.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing padel and exploring Cardiff’s food scene.
Alex Laister
QC Officer
Alex Laister
QC Officer
About
I was previously a technical support assistant for a busy broker, dealing with complex, niche, and challenging regulated cases.
Away from work, I enjoy all forms of motorsport, particularly F1, BTCC, and WRC. I also play snooker and 9-ball pool whenever I can against a lifelong friend and eternal sporting rival. I cannot readily accept defeat at his hand - the fury drives me onwards.
Milo Moran
Network Officer
Milo Moran
Network Officer
About
Brought up in Gloucestershire, I moved to Cardiff as a teenager. I started working for Cornerstone on my birthday, which makes it easy to remember. Outside the office, I play music and am a recent convert to following football.
Aaliyah Queeley
Engagement Adviser
Aaliyah Queeley
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement advisor at Cornerstone since December 2023. I'm from Cardiff, where I've lived my whole life - even staying here for university.
Outside of work, I love going to food festivals with my friends and have a guilty pleasure for chaotic American reality TV.
Hannah Lister
Engagement Team Leader
Hannah Lister
Engagement Team Leader
About
I joined the Cornerstone Network in September 2024. As the Engagement Team Leader I’m focused on supporting the Engagement Team in creating a positive work environment and delivering excellent service across the Network.I have several years’ experience in team management and customer service. I graduated from Swansea University with a Master’s in Human Rights Law and International Development. Outside of work, I enjoy switching off by walking my dog on the beach and binge-watching reality TV.
Graeme Lewis
Head of Network Engagement
Graeme Lewis
Head of Network Engagement
About
With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Graeme brings a wealth of expertise from frontline banking, business development, and even the motor and healthcare sectors.
Graeme is a passionate Swansea City season ticket holder.
Philip Emanuel
Director of Network Growth
Philip Emanuel
Director of Network Growth
About
With over 30 years’ experience in the UK financial services sector, Phil has extensive expertise in recruitment, performance, and sales management. He has significant experience within mortgage and protection networks, with a particular focus on implementing best practices across large teams.
Kevin Morgan
Managing Director, Cornerstone Commercial Finance
Kevin Morgan
Managing Director, Cornerstone Commercial Finance
About
Kevin joined Cornerstone Finance Group in September 2023, bringing with him an extensive 34-year career in commercial finance. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Kevin spent over three decades at NatWest, where he held a range of front-line roles, including senior management positions in Business & Commercial Lending underwriting in Birmingham and leadership roles within Business Banking across Wales and the M4 corridor.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Kevin believes that it is vital to the growth and prosperity of both the economy and communities. He is dedicated to building a culture that inspires, supports, and fosters growth and entrepreneurial spirit.
Chris Caulfield-Jones
Group Director of Risk and Compliance
Chris Caulfield-Jones
Group Director of Risk and Compliance
About
Chris began his career as an adviser with L&G before transitioning into control and quality assurance. He has managed quality control teams across the wider financial services industry and, prior to joining Cornerstone Finance, gained experience working within the risk frameworks and management structures of high street lenders and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Chris is passionate about embedding compliant core values and continuous improvement to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers.
Melanie Rowland
Head of Operations and HR
Melanie Rowland
Head of Operations and HR
About
An experienced leader in financial services with a background spanning retail, business, and commercial banking, leading both regional and national teams. Holds extensive experience in Six Sigma, Lean, and Agile methodologies, and was responsible for major process re-engineering at NatWest. Joined Cornerstone in January 2022 as part of the Commercial team before moving into the role of Head of Operations and HR.
Martyn Lamb
Director of Performance and Transformation
Martyn Lamb
Director of Performance and Transformation
About
After seven years in the IT industry, I spent 17 years in banking across a variety of frontline, head office, and transformation roles. My specialist areas are continuous improvement, innovation, and operating model transformation.
Having worked with many of the current Cornerstone board members during my time at NatWest, I was delighted to be invited to join in 2021 to help deliver their vision for the Group. I now lead a team focused on our technology, infrastructure, processes, and strategy.
I love visiting new countries, especially those less travelled.
Haydn Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Haydn Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
About
With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, including senior roles at NatWest/RBS, Haydn now leads the strategic plan of the Group and oversees the growth of The Cornerstone Network, which now supports around 250 Mortgage and Protection Advisers. He is known for building strong client relationships and high-performing teams.