BrightHouse has announced it has appointed a new chief executive after former boss Hamish Paton stepped down at the beginning of the year.

Anth Mooney, formerly chief of retail and financial services at Thomas Cook, will start his new role on July 1.

Prior to his role at Thomas Cook, Mooney was director of financial services at Virgin Money overseeing savings, mortgages and investments.

BrightHouse chairman Stuart Deane said: “Anth Mooney was the standout candidate amongst an impressive list of applicants for the role. He is a financial services expert who has also managed national store networks – not a common set of skills.

“I, and indeed the entire board, look forward to working with Anth in the months ahead as he builds a business that can delight our customers, inspire our colleagues and return BrightHouse to sustainable growth and profitability.”

Mooney said: “BrightHouse is a business with huge potential. It has undergone significant change over the last two years, but now as a fully FCA-regulated business, it has the chance to realise its clear mission, helping the millions of people that other financial services firms choose to ignore.”