The new hire, who led UK wealth manager Evelyn Partners' rebrand, was also the architect and commercial owner of the redesigned Bestinvest business, which grew to over £3 billion ($3.9 billion) funds under management under her leadership.

London-headquartered wealth manager Rathbones Group has appointed Simonetta Rigo (pictured) as chief client officer, subject to regulatory approval.

In this executive-level role, Rigo will lead client and advisor proposition development, marketing and client experience, the firm said in a statement. The post has been left open after Anne-Marie McConnon, who had been appointed as global chief client officer at Rathbones, died suddenly in May last year, the firm told WealthBriefing. See more commentary here.

Rigo is joining from UK wealth manager Evelyn Partners where she had been group chief marketing officer since 2020; she left earlier this year, the firm added. Rigo led the company’s rebrand from Tilney Smith & Williamson during the post-merger integration, creating client, product, brand and marketing strategies to accelerate growth. She was also the architect and commercial owner of the redesigned Bestinvest.co.uk, which grew to over £3 billion ($3.9 billion) funds under management (FuM) under her leadership, the firm continued.

With 25 years’ experience in financial services, Rigo started her career at McKinsey & Company and since then served in a variety of roles at American Express, Bupa International, Western Union and Tesco Bank. She has also served on the board of Brewin Dolphin.

“Simonetta is well known for her energy, strong leadership and commitment to the client experience and is a welcome addition to a combined Rathbones business that continues to pursue many growth opportunities ahead,” Paul Stockton, Rathbones group chief executive, said.

Rathbones provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners. It has 23 UK locations and is present in the Channel Islands.