The latest moves and appointments for wealth management roles in the UK, other parts of Europe, the Middle East and select international locations.

EV
UK-based EV, a financial planning and customer engagement technology provider, has appointed Chet Velani (pictured) as chief executive officer to lead the business as it enters a new phase of growth. Velani, who has been with the business for 18 years, joined EV as a graduate in 2008 and progressed through a range of leadership positions spanning actuarial, sales, marketing, product and executive management. Most recently, he served as managing director.

During his time at EV, Velani has helped shape the company's strategy, culture and proposition. He has been central to the company’s growth from a team of around 20 employees to a business that today supports more than 25 per cent of the UK advisor market with financial planning technology. It reaches more than six million consumers, and serves a broad range of clients across advisors, wealth managers, pension providers, banks and insurers in the UK.

As CEO, Velani will lead EV's future strategy, enabling financial services to serve more consumers through a continuum of financial planning support, from self-service guidance through to targeted support and hybrid advice to traditional advisor-led planning.

"Chet's journey from graduate to CEO reflects both his commitment to EV and the strength of the culture we have built over many years. He has played a central role in our growth, our innovation and our relationships with clients across the financial services industry,” Bruce Moss founder of EV said. “Chet’s leadership, experience and deep understanding of both our clients and the wider market make him exceptionally well placed to lead EV into its next chapter. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we help our clients navigate industry change and shape the future of financial support."

Mattioli Woods
Mattioli Woods, a UK-based wealth management and employee benefits firm, has appointed Sheelagh Bailey as chief information officer (CIO). She will join the Mattioli Woods executive committee (ExCo) and report directly to Peter Mann, chief executive officer.

Bailey has extensive experience of leading technology strategy, digital transformation and large-scale change programmes across the wealth management sector, the firm said in a statement yesterday. Most recently, she served as the head of change at Investec Wealth & Investment UK, where she played a central role in modernising technology platforms, enhancing client experiences and supporting business growth through digital innovation.

“She brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative leadership style and a deep understanding of how technology can transform both client and colleague experiences,” Mann said. “I’m excited about the contribution Sheelagh will make as we continue to build a business that combines exceptional people with cutting-edge technology.”

Nomura Asset Management
Nomura Asset Management (NAM) has appointed Richard Hastings (pictured below) as client portfolio manager (CPM), based in London, reporting to Mari Nakamura, senior managing director, CEO NAM UK.

Richard Hastings

Hastings' remit will be to provide client portfolio management coverage for the firm’s Global Dynamic Bond Fund as well as broader NAM fixed income capabilities including Corporate Hybrid Bonds, government fixed income, credit strategies, and the development and delivery of NAM’s interest rate-related solutions. 

Formerly at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Hastings served as client portfolio manager for investment grade credit portfolios across the EMEA business for more than 12 years. He was also responsible for the coverage of emerging markets debt portfolios. 

“With his extensive experience in fixed income, Richard will strengthen our client engagement strategy and enable our investment managers to dedicate more time to delivering superior returns," Nakamura said.

One Four Nine Group
One Four Nine Group, a nationwide independent financial planning and investment management business, has appointed Lucy Bristow as chief operating officer. In her new role, she will work with One Four Nine’s chief executive officer Gabrielle Beaumont to support the business’s operational infrastructure and strategic direction.

Bristow’s career has spanned almost 30 years serving in a variety of senior leadership roles, including a notable seven-year stretch at fintech platform Wealthtime. In her time there she supported the strategic growth of the business across an array of leadership roles including deputy CEO and managing director, ultimately serving as chief customer officer before her departure. Bristow first entered the financial services sector in 1998 serving for more than a decade at James Hay where she became head of operations, followed by almost six years spent at Ascentric where she was head of customer services.

Alongside her corporate roles, Bristow also serves as co-chair of the transfers committee for the Platforms Association, fostering industry collaboration, strategic initiatives and policy engagement. 

“We are thrilled to have recruited a candidate of Lucy’s calibre to One Four Nine Group. She brings an outstanding combination of operational and strategic expertise, with a deep understanding of the wealth management sector. She is a natural fit for our culture and values, bringing a wealth of insight to our business at a very exciting time,” Beaumont said. “The advice gap in the UK presents an enormous opportunity for financial planning businesses like ours; Lucy’s experience leading transformation, driving integration and building scalable businesses will play a key role in ensuring we are well-placed to address this opportunity and continue to grow both organically and via acquisition.”