Maria has spent five years at the digital bank, during which she helped Atom to support homebuyers with £2.4bn of lending.

She is set to commence work as an adviser and take up new opportunities over the summer.

David Castling, head of business development of retail mortgages, will take over the leadership of its intermediary lending team and report to Stewart Bromley, chief operating officer at Atom bank.

Maria said: “It’s almost impossible to capture the last five years in words.

“To design, build and launch the UK’s first fully digital mortgage has been an exhilarating and rewarding experience.  

“As a local lass, the bank and the jobs that we’ve created in the North East is something that I’m immensely proud to have been a part of and I know will create a lasting legacy for the region. 

“I’d like to thank Mark [Mullen] and all of my Atom family for an amazing, crazy and emotional journey and know they’ll have every success in the future.”

Mark Mullen, chief executive at Atom bank, added: “After five years of contributing to our success we wish Maria all the very best with her new ventures. 

“I am delighted that we are bringing both continuity and experience to our intermediary relationships with the appointment of David Castling.”