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Monday, May 4, 2026

Remaining New Century Founders Leave Board

The two remaining founders at New Century Financial Corp. of Irvine have resigned from the bankrupt mortgage lender’s board.

Robert Cole, who once served as chief executive and chairman, and Ed Gotschall, former vice chairman and chief financial officer, stepped down as directors this week.

Brad Morrice, New Century’s third cofounder and former chief executive, stepped down in June.

The departures of Cole and Gotschall aren’t surprising,New Century has been winding down operations and selling off parts of its business since its April bankruptcy filing.

But the move closes a chapter for the once highflying mortgage lender to borrowers with imperfect credit.

The surge in subprime mortgages earlier this decade helped vault the trio of industry veterans to the top of their business, making them among the wealthier executives in Orange County.

Now the three face a lengthy dose of legal issues after the rapid collapse earlier this year of what was the country’s second-largest subprime lender.

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