M&G Wealth has appointed Ross Liston (pictured) as CEO of M&G Wealth Advice. Liston joins from Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) where he was latterly interim CEO. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Liston has a distinguished reputation as an inspiring and experienced distribution and business development leader with over 30-years of experience in UK financial services.
At SBG, Liston was responsible for driving the strategic and operational performance of the Group and the development and implementation of its business strategy, relationship management and client engagement across all its brands, home to over 10,500 advisers. Prior to SBG, Liston had a long and successful career at Standard Life Aberdeen, latterly as Head of Advisory Relationships, responsible for leading its UK distribution teams and establishing the company’s position as a market leader in pensions, platform, and investment sectors.
At M&G Wealth Liston will lead the company’s advice arm comprising direct, restricted and independent services. M&G Wealth has made no secret of its desire to expand its advice services, to complement its delivery to the independent advice market, with a stated ambition to double its number of advisers over the next 4-to-5 years. Over the last year M&G has acquired the independent financial advice firms Sandringham Partners and Continuum, the latter subject to regulatory approval.
Liston will be joined at M&G Wealth Advice by Campbell Stanners also from SBG, where he was Advisory Relationship Director for their Mortgage Club, Premier Mortgage Services and Bankhall. Stanners will take on the role of Business Development Director at M&G Wealth Advice.
David Montgomery, Managing Director, M&G Wealth, said:
“We have ambitious plans driven by our desire to give as many people access to advice services and investment solutions that suit their circumstances and requirements. This is our primary focus.
“Ross is widely respected for helping organisations innovate, thrive, and grow.
“We are increasing the number of our own advisers and over the last 2-years we have been fortunate to speak to many businesses and some of the industry’s leading talent who share our drive and vision and are attracted by the strength and capabilities we offer.
“We are delighted to welcome both Ross and Campbell to M&G Wealth. They have an infectious passion for success and significant track records in building businesses, inspiring colleagues and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients.”
Ross Liston said:
“It’s an exciting time to be joining M&G given its ambitions and commitment to the growing wealth market. The group’s vision for the business is dynamic and bold, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead and shape the Wealth Advice business, building on its current quality offering.
“I firmly believe that we are about to enter a golden age for advice. We can play an important role in this, through our market-leading offering, digital innovation, and strong customer relationships. I’m hugely looking forward to joining the leadership team at M&G and playing my part in leading the change over the coming years”
