AJ Bell plc (“AJ Bell” or the “Company”), one of the UK's largest investment platforms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fiona Clutterbuck as the non-executive Chair of the Company with effect from 1 May 2023. The Board believes that Fiona is the ideal person to lead the Board and help AJ Bell capitalise on the growth opportunities that exist in the investment platform market. Fiona will also join the Nomination Committee, as chair, the Risk and Compliance Committee and Remuneration Committee, and take on the role of the designated non-executive director for engagement with the workforce.
Fiona was previously a non-executive director of Hargreaves Lansdown plc, was the chair of Paragon Banking Group plc until September 2022 and is currently a non-executive director of Sampo plc and Co-operative Bank plc. Fiona is also the senior independent director of M&G plc but intends to step down from that role at the conclusion of the company’s AGM on 24 May 2023. In her executive career Fiona was Head of Strategy, Corporate Development and Communications at Phoenix Group plc, having previously held banking roles with ABN AMRO Investment Bank plc, HSBC Investment Bank plc and Hill Samuel Bank Limited.
As announced on 27 September 2022, the current Chair, Baroness Helena Morrissey, informed the Board of her intention to step down when a new Chair had been found. The timing of Helena leaving the Board will be confirmed in a subsequent announcement by 30 April 2023.
Commenting on today's announcement, Michael Summersgill, Chief Executive Officer of AJ Bell, said:
“I am delighted that Fiona will be joining the Board. Fiona has a wealth of experience in our sector and will be able to support and challenge the executive team whilst leading the Board as we continue to grow the business.”
Commenting on her appointment, Fiona Clutterbuck said:
“AJ Bell is a business I’ve long admired for its innovation, customer focus and commitment to delivering great value to customers and advisers. Its dual-channel business model is a real strength in the investment platform market and the business is very well positioned to take advantage of the structural growth drivers in the sector. I look forward to working with Michael, the rest of the Board and executive team to ensure the business takes advantage of the growth opportunities that lie ahead.”
There is no other information regarding the appointment to be disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.