How we can work together

We’re an integrated team of multilingual professionals. With twenty years of experience in buying French property, we’ve helped thousands of non-residents and ex-pats find the right mortgage, release equity in their French home, or remortgage their property, from abroad.

Offering the highest level of service, we bring a human face to a process that can seem intimidating. You’re always welcome to come and talk to us, and you’ll always hear a real voice when you call.

And of course, you can be sure we’ll keep searching for the best offers right up until you sign on the dotted line.

“Athena Mortgages consistently deliver the optimal mortgage for the purchase, saving our clients time, money and stress”.
Nick Leach of Pierre & Vacances

Meet the team now

Erwan Perrin, Managing Director (Paris)

After graduating with an economics degree from the Sorbonne, Erwan undertook a Master of Business Administration. This gave him the chance to live and work abroad – where he gained an invaluable insight into the difficulties facing non-residents and ex-pats buying French properties.

He then combined this experience with an intimate knowledge of the French mortgage market, after three years at Credit du Nord. With an understanding of the French mortgage process, gained both inside and outside France, he was perfectly equipped to start Athena Mortgages with John Luke Busby three years ago. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength – with Erwan opening Athena’s third office in Paris, in September 2009.
John Luke Busby, Business Development and Marketing Director (London)

John’s marketing career in overseas property began in French mortgage finance – gaining experience under the ex-head of Abbey National France. He then was offered a role as marketing manager for France’s premier property developer, where he became an expert on the French market.

When he’s not working tirelessly to maintain Athena Mortgage’s high levels of service and reputation, he’s focused on taking the brand into exciting new areas. He lives in Surrey, with his wife, and daughters Isabelle, Jocelyn and Sophie.
Ryan Zafar, Country Manager, Ireland (Dublin)

Ryan joined Athena Mortgages as Ireland’s Country Manager, in March 2007. Multilingual and multicultural, Ryan was born in India, but grew up and studied in Paris, where he was awarded a Double Masters in Politics & Law.

Continuing his studies, he graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK with an MA in International Economics. His career in international finance began with several roles in major companies in Paris and the UK culminating in a role with the leading mortgage broker in France, CAFPI.

Currently Ryan is consolidating Athena Mortgages’ position as the leading independent French mortgage provider in The Republic of Ireland.
Laure Le Gourieres, Key Account Manager (London)

Laure is originally from Brittany, France. After spending one year studying International Business and Administration at Coventry University Business School as an exchange student, she graduated with BA Honours in 2005.

She then returned to France to further her studies, gaining a Masters in International Business in 2006.

Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to begin her career at Athena Mortgages in London. An energetic, enthusiastic member of the team, she’s valued for her keen attention to detail, ability to prioritise under pressure, and dedication to her role.
Arthur Stefani, Key Account Manager (London)

After completing his studies in Paris and Lille, Arthur was offered a role as mortgage consultant at Athena Mortgages. Passionate about architecture, real estate and finance, he was thrilled to begin his career in London with Athena, in 2006.

Having gained extensive experience of the French mortgage market, Arthur undertook a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CMAP), in the UK.

With a detailed knowledge of mortgage markets and financial regulation on both sides of The Channel, Arthur is an accomplished professional, who offers customers an extremely high level of service. His abilities have recently earned him the opportunity to develop a new area of the Athena range of services, specialising in UK mortgages.