Wesleyan, the specialist financial services mutual, has appointed Karen Blatchford as Managing Director of Dental, Direct and Intermediary Distribution.
Karen joins from Quilter where her most recent position was Distribution Director, responsible for the UK platform and associated products.
Karen reports to Wesleyan Group Chief Executive Mario Mazzocchi in a role that will see her growing the intermediary distribution channel. Wesleyan was the first provider to make a With Profits fund available on an independent adviser platform, partnering with Wealthtime in 2021. The Fund is now also available through the Nucleus Wrap platform.
Mario Mazzocchi, Group Chief Executive said: “I’m delighted to welcome Karen to Wesleyan. She brings with her a fantastic blend of skills and experience that will be integral to helping Wesleyan build its presence further in the adviser market. She has also shown a true ability to build and lead successful teams and will be an invaluable member of my Executive.”
Karen added: “This is a really exciting time to join Wesleyan as the business enters the next stage of its extensive transformation strategy, delivering further growth and building its presence in the intermediary market. I’m excited to work with the team to unlock the huge potential that lies ahead.
“I’m impressed with what the Wesleyan With Profits Growth Fund offers. It gives advisers access to a strong, actively managed, smoothed fund that provides a more consistent investment journey for clients – particularly attractive in the current economic climate. The Fund is designed to be agile and work across platforms so we’re working to extend our reach and strengthen our position in the market.
“Being part of a thriving mutual is important to me and Wesleyan has an ethic and purpose that resonates with customers. This really is a business to watch and I’m looking forward to helping shape the future as we build a stronger, more sustainable business for customers and members.”
Karen has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector working in senior roles across distribution, products and proposition development, sales and marketing.
