The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has expanded its executive committee with the appointment of Nick Chadbourne from conveyancing panel provider LMS.

The trade association was launched earlier this year with the aim of developing open data standards and encouraging transparent data sharing across the mortgage and wider property industry. 

It wants to get to a position where every company, in every part of the mortgage and property chain, hosts data transparently online. This in turn will hopefully make the property buying and selling process easier and much quicker.

OPDA’s executive committee is comprised of 14 industry leaders, technology innovators, and organisations committed to driving change. It includes mortgage lenders, property and proptech firms, conveyancers and estate agents.

Chadbourne, chief executive of LMS, said: “With principles of collaboration, innovation and digital transformation at its core, the OPDA is perfectly aligned with LMS’ vision for the industry. We’re committed to driving positive change and making the entire conveyancing journey efficient and customer centric.

“This is the key, but it cannot be done without having a fully cohesive data approach. The OPDA will be vital in that. Having been an advocate for such collaboration for so long and putting it at the heart of LMS, I’m delighted to be a founding executive member and look forward to work we can all do together.”

Maria Harris, chair of the OPDA, added: “The OPDA launched in June this year to transform the way we use data to buy and sell houses.  We have been looking for members who understand our vision and who are also passionate to achieve the change we know is possible.  LMS has been on its own drive to digitise and change the process for the better, so Nick Chadbourne is a perfect complement to our executive committee.

“Transforming the property sector through digital thinking and data-led solutions needs influential industry firms to lead the way, so having Nick bring his expertise, knowledge and undoubted influence will be hugely beneficial.

“Nick will be a valuable addition to a dynamic team that shares the common values of transparency, data quality and innovation. Together, we are driving positive change and intend to create tangible benefits across the whole of the mortgage and property industry.”