The wealth management house, which recently announced its sponsorship of English rugby, has announced a COO for its Intrinsic Financial Services business.

UK-based wealth manager Old Mutual Wealth has appointed Andy Thompson as chief operating officer of Intrinsic Financial Services, the advisor network business acquired by Old Mutual Wealth in July last year. The move comes as Richard Freeman steps up to become the chief distribution officer upon Mary-Anne McIntyre’s departure from the company to pursue other opportunities.  

Thompson previously worked as managing director and distribution director at Intrinsic. He has worked with Freeman since 2012, and will continue to report to Freeman in his new position.
 
Freeman will oversee Intrinsic’s strategic development, and bring together all distribution activities across Old Mutual Wealth’s business. He will manage the 2016 acquisition of the Financial Adviser School from Sesame Bankhall Group in this new role as well.  

The announcement comes on the heels of news that the wealth manager will be the title sponsor of England rugby men's and women’s autumn internationals. This is part of a trend of wealth management firms’ sponsorship of sports, such as UBS’s role as lead sponsor of Formula 1 motor sport and BNP Paribas’ sponsorship of tennis tournaments such as the French Open.

The rugby tournament will be renamed the Old Mutual Wealth Series from 2016.