Schroders Personal Wealth continues to accelerate its growth with the addition of two professionals joining its client office senior leadership team.

Schroders Personal Wealth (SPW) implemented a new structure within its client office at the beginning of 2023, which led to the introduction of regional managers and advice quality managers.

As part of SPW’s evolution, new roles have been created to support the company’s growth ambitions: Katie Young is joining as head of commercial, and James Harris will become head of advice services and investment engagement, both starting this week.

Young, who has more than two decades of leadership experience in wealth management and financial services, previously held senior positions at Coutts & Co and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the firm said in a statement. She will focus on developing SPW’s operating model, including enhancing practice management capabilities, using technology to improve client and colleague experiences. Young will also lead SPW’s relationship with Lloyds Banking Group’s (LBG) retail channels, using innovative solutions to enhance client outcomes.

Harris, who has worked with SPW over the past year, will be tasked with consolidating technical support for advisors and clients. He will also oversee the creation of a centre of excellence for technical support and will be instrumental in embedding Consumer Duty across the group, the firm added.

Evolving regional leadership
In addition to these new appointments, SPW is optimising its regional leadership structure by streamlining its wealth regions from four to three: South, North, and Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Rew Hassall will expand his leadership to include the south-west part of the country, which forms the new South wealth region, the firm continued. Jo Westwood will lead the North wealth region, implementing the strategy across Northern England and Wales. Donald Gateley will remain responsible for Scotland and Northern Ireland, while also leading SPW’s relationship with the commercial arm of LBG at a national level. Additionally, Justin Blower will lead SPW’s financial planning channel, which is harnessing technology to enhance the client experience.