The organisation that represents 50,000 private sector residential landlords in England and Wales has appointed a new director.

Paul Smee, former director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), has been welcomed on board at the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).

A co-opted non-executive director, Mr Smee will bring in-depth knowledge of fiscal and economic matters to the RLA team, as well as his wealth of experience working within trade associations.

In addition to his work at the CML – now UK Finance – he was chief executive of the Payments Council and director general of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers.

Paul Smee said: “I have been chief executive of three trade bodies over 20 years so I have a lot of experience of working with small businesses and I have a particular passion for making sure they are well represented.

“I understand regulation and the impact of regulation – and will be doing some horizon scanning for the RLA, spotting issues before they hit so the association is always one step ahead of the game.

“It was a great honour to be approached to join the board and I look forward to a long and successful working relationship.”

RLA chairman, Alan Ward, said: “Paul’s knowledge of the mortgage market and experience of large organisations, will be invaluable to the growth of the RLA. He adds a new dimension to the skills of the board.”

In addition to his work at the CML, Paul has worked as head of public policy and international relations at the London Stock Exchange, Director of public affairs and regions at the Independent Television Commission and head of life insurance for the Association of British Insurers.