Hale to Head Countrywide's Retail Division

Countrywide Home Loans has named Brian Hale as head of its consumer markets division, located in Plano, Texas.In his new role Mr. Hale oversees all sales, operational and support activities of Countrywide's retail division, which includes a network of more than 900 branches nationwide, several call centers and numerous business-to-business channels, the company said. The division employs 16,500 staff members. Mr. Hale joined Countrywide in 2001, serving previously as managing director and chief production officer. Prior to joining Countrywide, he worked at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Fleet Mortgage Corp. and Household Finance.