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

Sarasin & Partners
London-headquartered Sarasin & Partners has appointed Aimee Searle as regional business development manager, covering Wales and the Southwest.

As Sarasin & Partners’ lead for Wales and the Southwest, Searle will strengthen the deep relationships that the firm already has in the area as well as developing new opportunities with professional intermediaries.

Searle, who has 18 years of experience in financial services, has developed and maintained strong relationships with intermediary firms in Wales and the Southwest region through prior roles at Aegon and LV, the firm said in a statement. She began her career in the industry at Legal & General.

Searle’s appointment follows a period of strong momentum for Sarasin & Partners, including the promotion of Tom Vernon as head of private clients and the launch of the Sarasin Managed Funds, a suite of risk-rated multi-asset solutions designed to offer greater flexibility and enable investors access to the widest possible strategic and tactical investment toolkit.

“Aimee’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the Wales and South-West market make her a valuable addition to our sales team,” Christopher Cade, head of UK sales, said. “I am confident that her strong relationships and proven ability to deliver for clients will enhance our presence in the region and support our continued growth,”

Oberon Investments Group
Oberon Investments Group, a listed boutique investment management, wealth planning, and corporate broking group, has appointed Barry Smead (pictured) as head of Investment Management. Smead will co-lead Oberon’s Investment Management division alongside Phil Smeaton, chief investment officer. 

Most recently, Smead served as chief operating officer of Investment Management at JM Finn, where he oversaw activities across the division, implemented strategic growth initiatives, and led teams responsible for operational governance, analytics, and business development support. He was a permanent member of the firm’s management committee. Prior to JM Finn, Barry worked at Hermes Fund Managers as COO of business development and head of IT and operations management office.

Smead has more than three decades of experience in global financial services, with a career spanning senior leadership roles in private client investment management, institutional and wholesale asset management, and business development across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. Prior to that, at Invesco Perpetual, he worked in global leadership positions within technology. His expertise includes building and leading high-performing teams, implementing strategic change, and developing strong client-focused business growth frameworks.

“His depth of experience in leading investment management functions, driving operational excellence, and supporting business growth will be instrumental as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions,” Simon McGivern, chief executive officer of Oberon, said. “Working closely with Phil Smeaton, our chief investment officer, Barry will help lead the division into its next phase of development.”

Quilter Cheviot
Quilter Cheviot has appointed Yumna Yusuf (pictured below) as a responsible investment analyst.
 

Yumna Yusuf

Yusuf, who will report to Gemma Woodward, head of responsible investment at Quilter Cheviot, will support the firm’s stewardship programme and thematic engagement efforts.

The responsible investment team at Quilter Cheviot oversees the company’s stewardship programme, ESG integration and ESG screening as well as supporting more targeted solutions for clients who want their portfolios to reflect specific interests or preferences.

Previously, Yusuf was a climate engagement associate within Schroders sustainable investment team, where she co-developed and implemented a firm-wide multi-year climate engagement and escalation framework. Prior to this, Yusuf spent six years in government roles, including at Ofsted, the Department for Transport and three years at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy where she served as an official climate negotiator for the UN COP25 and COP26.