"We have bestowed our first fellowship upon Stephen Smith who embodies all that is good about our sector."
Smith recently retired from Legal and General, where he held numerous roles including head of L&G Mortgage Club and director of housing strategy.
Stephen joined L&G in 1994 and also spent 14 years on the AMI board as well as several years as deputy chairman and member of the Bank of England's residential property forum.
In 2018 he became a non-executive director at Mortgage Advice Bureau and Twenty7Tec.
AMI chief executive Robert Sinclair, said: "In creating a new membership class within the Association, AMI is recognising individuals who have delivered an outstanding contribution and support to the trade body and the industry.
"We have bestowed our first fellowship upon Stephen Smith who embodies all that is good about our sector. He has displayed passion, commitment, knowledge and partnership since the inception of AMI in 2003.
"This new membership class will be honorary members of the Association for life, be a permanent fixture at our Annual Dinner and be asked to support the Board by mentoring, advising and counselling us on our continuing work."
